Name: Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 zucchini, diced; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or shells); Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a soup that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Bursting with fresh vegetables, comforting beans, and tender pasta swimming in a rich tomato-herb broth, it’s the perfect dish to fill you up without weighing you down. It’s a classic Italian favorite that easily becomes a weeknight staple, a lunchbox hero, or a meal-prep miracle, all while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of an arrangement of fresh and dry ingredients on a white marbled surface, featuring a clear glass bowl with white beans at the top center; next to it on the right is a clear glass pitcher of golden broth, and below that, a white bowl with bright orange sliced carrots. In the center is a light wooden bowl filled with small, uncooked pasta with a wooden spoon resting inside. To the bottom right, a white bowl holds chunky red tomatoes in juice, partially covered by a blue and white striped cloth. On the bottom left, a cluster of fresh, whole green beans sits beside a whole yellow onion and three garlic cloves on a wooden cutting board. Above the beans and onion, there are two dried bay leaves, a small white dish with mixed dried herbs, a small brown bowl with red pepper flakes, and another small white dish with caraway seeds. A bunch of fresh green parsley lies to the far left, next to a small brown dish with coarse salt. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special—depth of flavor, texture, vibrant color, or wholesome nutrition, making the final soup absolutely irresistible.

Olive oil: For a silky base that enhances the flavors of all the vegetables.
Onion: Adds sweetness and complexity as it softens.
Carrots: Brings a subtle natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
Celery stalks: Adds a refreshing, slightly peppery crunch and aromatic depth.
Garlic: The soul of Italian cooking, imparting a fragrant warmth.
Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that create an herbal symphony.
Salt and black pepper: To balance and highlight every flavor.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for a rich, luxurious broth.
Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup, providing acidity and body.
Vegetable broth: A savory base that ties all ingredients together.
Kidney beans and cannellini beans: Creamy, protein-packed beans that make this soup filling.
Green beans: Adds crunch and fresh, grassy notes.
Zucchini: Tender and lightly sweet, balancing the texture.
Small pasta: Tiny shapes like ditalini or shells perfectly soak up the broth.
Fresh spinach or kale: For a burst of vibrant green and added nutrients.
Fresh parsley or basil (garnish): Bright, fresh herbal notes to finish the dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Adds a salty, umami richness that makes every bite special.

How to Make Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step builds the aromatic foundation for your soup, making sure every flavor shines through in later steps.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic along with dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic, as that can turn bitter. These herbs bring that unmistakable Italian flair that makes this soup a delight.

Step 3: Introduce Tomato Elements

Mix in the tomato paste and cook it down for about a minute to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bringing this mixture to a boil is key to marrying the intense tomato richness with the fresh vegetable base.

Step 4: Add Beans and Vegetables

Once boiling, stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, green beans, and diced zucchini. Lower the heat and gently simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften without losing their character while the beans release their creamy, hearty goodness into the broth.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Greens

Add your choice of small pasta and cook it following the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. In the final minutes, stir in fresh spinach or kale until they wilt beautifully into the soup. This finishing touch adds freshness and a pop of green color.

Step 6: Taste and Season

Before serving, give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This small step elevates the dish, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced and your Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe tastes just like it came from a traditional Italian kitchen.

How to Serve Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe

A large white pot filled with a colorful vegetable soup, showing small shell pasta floating in a thick broth. The soup has bright green beans, red tomato pieces, sliced zucchini, kidney beans, and small green herbs spread throughout. A spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup, with bits of vegetables on it. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a small sprig of green herb beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The final flourish on this soup is all about fresh, bright, and savory toppings. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of herbal freshness. Don’t forget a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese—its salty, umami flavor makes every spoonful unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast. The bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up that delicious tomato-herb broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also complement this hearty meal without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the soup in warm bowls with a small wedge of lemon on the side to add a hint of brightness if desired. You could also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation that’s as tasty as it is fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To keep the pasta from getting soggy, consider storing it separately and adding it only when reheating. This ensures your soup stays fresh and delicious the next day.

Freezing

This Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe freezes beautifully without the pasta. Freeze the soup portion in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If needed, thin the soup with a splash of vegetable broth or water. Add freshly cooked pasta and fresh greens near the end of reheating for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this soup?

Absolutely! Chickpeas, white beans, or even black beans can be great substitutes or additions. They bring different textures and flavors, allowing you to customize the soup to your liking.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Yes, as long as you skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative, this soup is entirely plant-based and perfect for vegan diets.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Simply sauté the vegetables first, then transfer all ingredients except the pasta and greens to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding pasta and greens during the last 30 minutes.

What pasta types work best in minestrone?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they cook evenly and blend well with the rest of the soup’s texture.

How can I make the broth more flavorful?

Using homemade vegetable broth or adding a Parmesan rind while simmering can deepen the flavor beautifully. Just remember to remove the rind before serving!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough trying the Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables, Beans, and Pasta Recipe whenever you’re craving something nourishing, comforting, and delightfully flavorful. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that not only warms your soul but also brings the joy and heartiness of Italian cooking right to your table. Gather your ingredients and dive into this bowl of wholesome goodness — I promise it’ll become a beloved classic in your kitchen.