If you are craving a bowl of warmth, comfort, and wholesome flavors all in one, this Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender beans, and little pasta pearls swimming in a rich tomato broth, this classic Italian soup is not only satisfying but also incredibly nourishing. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with any day of the week, whether you want a quick lunch or a hearty dinner to share with loved ones. Every spoonful brings a lovely medley of textures and tastes that make this minestrone instantly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a balanced and colorful soup. Each component from the fresh vegetables to the aromatic seasonings plays an essential role, giving the dish its signature depth and heartiness.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps soften the vegetables while building flavor.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base that enhances every bite.
- Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic punch to the broth.
- Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle herbal note for freshness.
- Carrots: Offer sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory elements.
- Vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation, but chicken broth works just as well for a meaty twist.
- Crushed tomatoes: Infuse the soup with tanginess and deep red color.
- Red kidney beans: Provide protein and a creamy bite to every spoonful.
- White beans: Another source of protein and texture variation.
- Green beans: Add crispness and a fresh pop of green.
- Zucchini: Offers subtle sweetness and a tender texture that complements the other vegetables.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and a rustic Italian flair.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Small pasta: Elbow macaroni or shells work perfectly, providing satisfying chewiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing all flavors.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the dish.
How to Make Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, and sliced carrots, cooking them gently for about 7 to 8 minutes. This step softens the veggies and releases their natural sweetness, which forms a wonderfully rich foundation for the soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Add Broth and Vegetables
To the softened mix, pour in the vegetable broth and the crushed tomatoes, then add red kidney beans, white beans, chopped green beans, and zucchini. Stir in the Italian seasoning along with a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat and letting it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the ingredients to meld and develop that classic minestrone heartiness.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Finish
Once the broth and veggies have softened together, stir in the small pasta of your choice. Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is just al dente — tender yet with a little bite. Finally, season everything with salt and pepper according to your taste. Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top to finish it off with a luscious, savory touch.
How to Serve Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While parmesan cheese is a classic topping, feel free to get creative with garnishes like torn fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. These little extras add color, aroma, and a personal touch to every serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your hearty soup with crusty bread or garlic focaccia for dipping into the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette complements the meal perfectly, adding a fresh crunch that balances the warmth of the soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs that make it feel cozy and inviting. Adding a sprinkle of herbs or some grated cheese right at the table lets everyone customize their bowls, making mealtime interactive and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes fantastic the next day once the flavors have had even more time to mingle. Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately and add it after reheating to prevent mushiness. Store the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, so you always have a nourishing meal on hand when you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’ve frozen it, add cooked pasta now. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve piping hot for maximum comfort.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans in this Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While red kidney and white beans are classic choices, cannellini, chickpeas, or navy beans can work wonderfully. Just make sure they are cooked or canned and drained before adding.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan option for this soup?
Yes, this soup is naturally vegetarian. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly and delicious.
What pasta types work best in minestrone soup?
Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, ditalini, or small twists are ideal because they distribute evenly and cook quickly without overpowering the soup.
How can I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker consistency, you can puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or mash some of the beans before adding them back. This adds body while maintaining the hearty texture.
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Definitely! Minestrone soup is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to add or swap in vegetables like spinach, kale, potatoes, or peas depending on what you have on hand or seasonal availability.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe as much as I do. It’s the kind of soul-warming dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen, delighting your family and friends with every simmering pot.
Print
Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Minestrone Soup is a comforting and hearty Italian vegetable soup packed with beans, fresh vegetables, and small pasta. It’s simmered to tender perfection and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained
Seasonings and Others
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, etc.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth, crushed tomatoes, drained red kidney beans, drained white beans, chopped green beans, chopped zucchini, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to tenderize.
- Cook pasta and finish: Stir in the small pasta and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep this soup vegetarian, or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- You can substitute any small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells suitable for soup.
- Adjust the seasoning and salt according to your preference, especially if using salted broth.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
