If you're craving a hearty, wholesome soup without a fuss, this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It's packed with veggies, beans, and pasta, making it the perfect cozy meal you'll want to keep coming back to.

minestrone soup - A close-up view of a pot filled with vegetable soup showing a rich, orange broth with visible layers of diced orange carrots, green zucchini pieces, chopped celery, red kidney beans, small shell pasta, and bits of green herbs. A ladle lifts a portion of the soup, displaying the chunky vegetables and pasta clearly. The pot is white, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes in my kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day – comforting, nourishing, and surprisingly quick to pull together.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh veggies, so you probably have everything on hand.
Versatile & Filling: Beans, pasta, and veggies combine for a soup that's a meal in itself.
Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors and small pasta shapes make it a hit even with picky eaters.
Easy to Customize: Swap veggies or pasta based on what you love or have available – it always turns out delicious.

minestrone soup - A white pot filled with a thick stew showing layers of diced yellow and green zucchini, orange carrot pieces, red beans, chickpeas, shell pasta, and small red tomato chunks mixed in a rich orange-red broth with herbs, placed on a white marbled surface. A black spoon is inside the pot, and nearby are bunches of fresh green parsley, a gray and white striped cloth, and two silver spoons. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe is how well these ingredients come together for a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an important role, so buying fresh and good-quality staples really makes a difference.

minestrone soup - Flat lay of fresh white onion with its smooth, pale layers next to vibrant green celery ribs, bright orange diced carrots, and fresh zucchini pieces showing their light green skin and soft interior. Nearby, a small pile of minced garlic cloves with creamy white color and papery skin scattered gently around. Ripe red diced tomatoes spilling over from a can, plump white cannellini beans contrasting with deep red kidney beans, and a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves with crinkly dark green texture all arranged naturally. A sprinkle of dried basil and oregano adds subtle earthy tones, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps develop that deep flavor as the veggies cook.
Olive Oil: A healthy fat that balances the butter and prevents browning too fast.
White Onion: Gives a sweet and savory base when softened gently.
Celery: Brings a subtle crunch and iconic aroma to the soup.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness brightens the soup and adds color.
Zucchini: Adds freshness and soaks up flavors without overpowering.
Minced Garlic: Boosts aroma and depth. Just don’t let it burn!
Diced Tomatoes (canned, undrained): Provides acidity and body – I always go for good quality canned tomatoes here.
Tomato Sauce: Thickens the broth and enriches the tomato flavor.
White Cannellini Beans: Creamy in texture and mild, they bulk up the soup with protein.
Kidney Beans: Offers heartiness and a bit of bite.
Vegetable Broth: The flavorful base – homemade is amazing, but store-bought works perfectly.
Dried Basil & Oregano: These classic Italian herbs infuse the soup with comforting scents.
Elbow Macaroni or Shell Pasta: Small shapes that are fun to eat and hold the broth nicely.
Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, green boost at the end without needing much cooking.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The final touch that brings savory, umami richness to every spoonful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I've tried it with all kinds of tweaks and it never disappoints. You can truly make it your own!

Variation: When zucchini isn’t in season, I swap in diced yellow squash or green beans, and honestly, it works just as well.
Meat Lover’s Twist: I’ve added Italian sausage before for a heartier version that still feels light and delicious.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, and you’ll barely notice the difference—delicious and safe!
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick if you like your soup a little fiery.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing the Veggies for Flavor

Start by melting the salted butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then add the diced white onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Next, toss in the celery, carrots, and zucchini. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then so they soften but still hold a bit of their bite. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute. This gentle sauté builds a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Adding Tomatoes, Beans & Broth

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, then crank the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. This step is where those layers of flavors start blending beautifully.

Step 3: Cooking the Pasta Right In

Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni or shells and reduce the heat to a gentle boil (medium-low). Let it cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Just before the pasta finishes, stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt nicely in those last couple of minutes.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Give your soup a taste test and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese. Each bite tastes like homemade comfort, and that cheese on top? Absolutely worth it.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this soup, I've found a few tricks that really make the difference between good and outstanding. These little nuggets of wisdom come from trial and error and save time while elevating flavor.

Sauté Low & Slow: Don't rush the veggies at the start—you want them to soften gently and build sweetness, not brown quickly.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta texture and test frequently once it starts cooking in the broth to avoid mushiness.
Add Greens Last: Toss spinach in at the very end so it stays bright and fresh instead of turning dull and mushy.
Use Good Broth: If you can make your own or find a flavorful store-bought broth, your soup will taste a world better.

How to Serve Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese—it melts into the hot soup beautifully. Sometimes I add a swirl of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley also brighten up the flavors really well.

Side Dishes

A warm baguette or some crusty garlic bread is all you really need alongside this soup. I also love serving it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. When I’m in a hurry, even a handful of cheesy garlic crackers does the trick!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I scoop the soup into rustic bowls and scatter parmesan on top, letting guests add fresh herbs themselves. For a fancy twist at a dinner party, serve the soup in mini mugs garnished with microgreens and place a small cheese toast on the side. It’s a fun way to make a humble soup feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the soup cools, I transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, though I sometimes add a splash of broth or water when reheating because the pasta soaks up liquid.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully if you leave out the pasta or add it freshly when reheating. I store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, making it a lifesaver on busy days.

Reheating

When I reheat, I do it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. It helps to add a little broth or water to loosen things up. Taste and adjust seasoning, then top with fresh parmesan again for that just-cooked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Minestrone Soup recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the butter for extra olive oil and skip the parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The beans and veggies make it hearty enough on their own.

What pasta works best for this soup?

Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or ditalini work best because they cook evenly and are easy to eat with a spoon. Avoid large noodles that need longer cooking times.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried ones. Add fresh basil and oregano towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Add the pasta at the end of cooking and keep an eye on the texture. Cooking it just until al dente is key. Also, if you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when serving.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe feels like home in a bowl for me. It’s dependable, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for weeknights or when you’re hosting friends. I hope it becomes one of your favorite go-to meals too, ready to warm you up anytime you need a simple but satisfying dinner.