Minestrone soup is a hearty, wholesome Italian vegetable soup packed with seasonal veggies, beans, and pasta (or rice). Every Italian family has its own version, making it a versatile dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. Perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for dinner, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan or gluten-free.
Classic Italian Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty, wholesome Italian vegetable soup packed with seasonal veggies, beans, and pasta (or rice). Every Italian family has its own version, making it a versatile dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. Perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for dinner, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan or gluten-free.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin the preparation of the Minestrone Soup by slicing the onion in thin slices (max 1cm), peel off and cut in small, tiny pieces one of the carrots and then clean the cauliflower with running water.1 Onion, 3 pieces Carrots
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.2 tbsp Olive oil, 3 pieces Carrots, 1 Onion
- Add zucchini, potato, and beans. Cook for 5 more minutes.3 pieces Carrots, 2 pieces Zucchinis, 3 pieces Potatoes, 1/2 bunch Cauliflower
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.5 g Rosemary, 5 g Oregano
- Add pasta and beans. Cook for 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.300 g Pasta
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan (if desired). Serve hot. Buon Appetito!10 g Fresh Parsley
Nutrition
Notes
💡 Cooking Tips & FAQs
- Best pasta for minestrone? Small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni work best.
- Can I make it vegan? Yes — just skip the Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
- Can I freeze minestrone? Absolutely! Just leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating.
- How to make it richer? Add pancetta or Italian sausage for a heartier version.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia.
- Pair with a side salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving for extra flavor.
🥡 Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding water or broth if too thick.
- Freeze (without pasta) for up to 3 months.
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