Easy Italian Minestrone Soup

What is Italian Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone (pronounced min-eh-stroh-nee, in case you were wondering) is a chunky Italian vegetable soup that dates way back. It’s often made with seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and a rich tomato broth. What makes a traditional minestrone soup recipe so loved is how flexible it is—you can use what you have on hand and it still tastes amazing. While some versions include meat or cheese, this one is a vegan minestrone soup that’s totally plant-based but still full of flavor.

What Makes This Veggie Soup Nutritious?

This minestrone soup vegetarian style is packed with good-for-you stuff. It’s full of fiber-rich veggies, protein-packed beans, and whole grains from the pasta. The tomato base adds a dose of antioxidants, and you can boost the greens with spinach or kale. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting but still fuels your body in the best way.

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Italian Minestrone Soup?

Here’s the full list of minestrone soup ingredients for this cozy bowl of goodness:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• ½ cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of spinach or kale (fresh or frozen)
• Optional: Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for serving

Why You’ll Love This Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

• It’s flexible—you can swap veggies and make it your own
• It’s quick! On the table in under 45 minutes
• It uses simple pantry ingredients
• It’s family-friendly and kid-approved
• It’s a one-pot meal—less cleanup!
• It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Italian Minestrone Soup

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

1. Cook the veggies: Toss in the carrots, celery, zucchini, and red pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring now and then.

1. Add the broth and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Season with oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a boil.

1. Simmer and add the rest: Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Then, add the white beans, green beans and pasta. Cook another 10 minutes or until the pasta is soft.

1. Add the greens: Stir in spinach or kale and let it wilt—about 2 minutes.
2. Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if you like.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Hearty Vegetarian Soup Recipe

Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this easy soup recipe, and how to store this soup.