Why Make This Recipe
Easy Minestrone Soup is a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, filling meal without a lot of hassle. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a nutritious option for lunch or dinner. It’s also a versatile recipe, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to warm up on a chilly day!
How to Make Easy Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini and green beans; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Easy Minestrone Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. It’s great on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or a side salad can make it a more complete meal.
How to Store Easy Minestrone Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.
Tips to Make Easy Minestrone Soup
- Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and freshness.
- If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add some red pepper flakes.
- Consider cooking the pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers, as it can become mushy over time.
- You can customize this soup by adding your favorite beans or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Variation
If you want to make a meatier version of this soup, you can add cooked sausage or chicken. Just sauté it with the onion and garlic at the beginning.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it.
What kind of pasta should I use?
Small shapes like ditalini or elbow pasta work best, but you can use any pasta you like.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach, bell peppers, or peas.
Easy Minestrone Soup is a delightful and nourishing choice for your meals. Enjoy cooking and sharing this warm and comforting dish!
Print
Easy Minestrone Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy, filling soup packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini and green beans; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Consider cooking the pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers, as it can become mushy over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian