Hearty Italian Garden Minestrone – A classic, cozy vegetable soup full of warm rustic flavor

Hearty Italian Garden Minestrone – A classic, cozy vegetable soup full of warm rustic flavor

Hearty Italian Garden Minestrone is the ultimate comfort soup — a warm, wholesome blend of tender vegetables, beans, pasta, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs simmered into a rich, soul-soothing broth. This timeless Italian favorite is naturally nourishing, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully versatile. Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or healthy weekly meal prep, this minestrone celebrates simple ingredients at their very best. Every spoonful offers comforting textures, vibrant colors, and a beautifully balanced, homey flavor that makes this soup a forever favorite.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Aromatics & Vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion diced
2 carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 small zucchini diced
1 cup chopped green beans

Broth & Seasoning

1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Beans & Pasta

1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni

Optional Add-Ins

2 cups baby spinach or kale
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish
Grated parmesan optional, or dairy-free alternative

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Ladle
Small bowl (optional for soaking pasta if needed)

Method

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add vegetables

Stir in zucchini and green beans. Cook 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the broth

Add diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, thyme, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add beans

Stir in kidney beans and cannellini beans.
Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Add pasta

Stir in the pasta and cook 8–10 minutes, or until tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish with greens

Add spinach or kale and stir until wilted.
Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed.
Optional: Stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley or parmesan if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Pasta will absorb broth — add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring often.

For freezing: freeze without pasta and add cooked pasta when serving.

🥄 Variations

Winter Minestrone
Add diced potatoes, cabbage, or squash.

Protein Boost
Stir in cooked chicken or turkey sausage (no pork).

Tomato-Rich Version
Add 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste before adding broth.

Herb Explosion
Add fresh basil or rosemary right before serving.

Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta or cooked rice.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes — use vegetable broth and skip the cheese topping.

Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but add them in the last 5 minutes so they don’t get mushy.

Can I swap out vegetables?
Absolutely — minestrone is extremely flexible.

Do I need two types of beans?
No — use any beans you have on hand.

Can I use leftover pasta?
Add cooked pasta at the end to avoid overcooking.

Can I add meat?
Yes — cooked chicken, ground turkey, or turkey sausage works well.

Why is my soup too thick?
Add extra broth. Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.

Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes — it's the best method for meal prep or freezing.

Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper.

Can I make minestrone in a slow cooker?
Yes — add pasta during the last 20–25 minutes.

🏁 Conclusion

Hearty Italian Garden Minestrone is the perfect blend of comfort, nourishment, and classic Italian flavor. Loaded with tender vegetables, beans, herbs, and pasta, it’s a beautifully balanced soup that warms you from the inside out. Whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this cozy recipe brings rustic charm and homestyle goodness to every bowl.