Name: Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, grated; 1 cup chopped green beans; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; ¾ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni); 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Red pepper flakes, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s packed full of fresh veggies, beans, and just the right touch of herbs, you’re in for a treat with this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup comes together—it’s like a hug in a bowl! Whether you need a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or something simple yet satisfying to meal prep, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Plus, it’s flexible, easy to make, and full of flavors that just sing.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Vegetables: Every spoonful bursts with fresh, wholesome veggies for a truly hearty experience.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The blend of herbs, beans, and tomatoes creates a comforting, savory taste you’ll crave again and again.
Easy to Customize: This recipe welcomes your tweaks — add your favorite pasta or swap in seasonal veggies effortlessly.
Makes Great Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you’ll enjoy this soup for days without a hint of boredom.

A white bowl and a white cup both filled with a bright orange vegetable soup showing slices of carrots, green beans, small white beans, and small pasta rings, all floating in a clear broth with bits of herbs; a spoon is resting in each bowl. Next to the bowls is a white, round marble surface holding a large pot of the same soup with a wooden spoon lifting some soup and vegetables from it. Around the marble are two white garlic bulbs, a wooden cutting board with chopped green herbs, red chili flakes, fresh green parsley sprigs, and slices of crusty bread next to a bread knife with a wooden handle. A striped cloth is casually placed under the bowls and pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup, vegetable minestrone recipe, healthy vegetable soup, hearty veggie soup, comforting minestrone

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe calls for simple pantry and fresh ingredients that work together beautifully to build layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, look for firm, fresh veggies and good-quality vegetable broth to make your soup shine.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with extra-virgin olive oil, a medium whole uncracked yellow onion, two fresh whole carrots with vibrant orange skin, two celery ribs thinly sliced and arranged, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, three whole unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of diced ripe red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of cooked white beans, a small pile of chopped fresh green beans, two dried bay leaves placed flat, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl of dried thyme, a small white ceramic bowl with small pasta (such as ditalini) visible, a small pile of chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl containing red pepper flakes, and a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese. All ingredients are fresh and natural, carefully arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup, vegetable minestrone recipe, healthy vegetable soup, hearty veggie soup, comforting minestrone

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables gently.
Yellow onion: The foundation for classic flavor, sautéed until sweet and fragrant.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a slight crunch if not overcooked.
Celery ribs: Adds a delicate aromatic bite and balances the sweetness of carrots.
Sea salt: Elevates all the flavors; I always taste and adjust as I go.
Black pepper: Freshly ground gives more kick and depth than pre-ground.
Garlic cloves: Grated for maximum flavor infusion in every spoonful.
Canned diced tomatoes: Provides juicy acidity and body to the broth.
Cooked white or kidney beans: Protein-packed and creamy, these make the soup filling.
Chopped green beans: Add a nice snap and vibrant color to the mix.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle earthy aroma; don’t forget to remove before serving!
Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that deepen the taste.
Small pasta: I love using ditalini, but whatever small pasta you have on hand works beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Stirred in last for a bright, herby finish.
Red pepper flakes: For a gentle, warming heat—add to taste.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle just before serving adds savory umami magic.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to boost the protein, swap veggies depending on the season, or make it vegan-friendly, this soup is a perfect canvas for your creativity.

Add Protein: I sometimes stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier meal my family goes crazy for.
Seasonal Veggies: Swap green beans for zucchini or add kale for a winter twist—I love keeping it fresh and seasonal.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta altogether and add extra beans or rice for a similar hearty feel.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce—I’ve found it really enhances the depth of flavor.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base Vegetables Until Tender

Start by heating your extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, salt, and a few good grinds of black pepper. Stir occasionally as the veggies soften—this usually takes about 8 minutes. You’ll notice the onions turn translucent and the carrots slightly tender, which is exactly what you want before adding your garlic.

Step 2: Build the Broth and Add Beans & Greens

Next, add the grated garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes, cooked beans, chopped green beans, and vegetable broth. Toss in the bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the green beans to soften just right.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Final Seasoning

Remove the lid from the pot and stir in your small pasta. Keep the soup uncovered and cook for about 10 more minutes until the pasta is al dente. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. That smell? That’s your kitchen turning into a cozy Italian trattoria!

Step 4: Serve up with Fresh Herbs & Optional Cheese

Before serving, stir in the chopped parsley to brighten the soup. If you like a little kick, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. And for that classic touch? Grated Parmesan cheese makes this soup extra comforting—I always have some on hand. Just be sure to remove those bay leaves before you dig in!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta last and keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness—al dente is the sweet spot.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh parsley really elevates the finish, making the soup more vibrant.
Beans From Scratch: If you have time, soaking and cooking your own beans adds extra flavor and creaminess.
Simmer with Bay Leaves: Remember to remove bay leaves before serving—they flavor beautifully but aren’t meant to be eaten.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bright red tomato-based soup with visible small round pasta pieces, sliced orange carrots, white beans, green beans, and finely chopped herbs. A silver spoon with a brown handle is placed inside the bowl, resting on the side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. To the right, rustic pieces of sliced bread are partially visible, and on the left, a soft white cloth with blue stripes is partly in the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup, vegetable minestrone recipe, healthy vegetable soup, hearty veggie soup, comforting minestrone

Garnishes

I usually finish my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth, and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese because it brings that perfect savory pop. If you want a fresh twist, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a slice or two of crusty bread alongside this soup—garlic bread or a rustic country loaf are my favorites. On days I want something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the flavors and balances the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the soup in small, rustic crock bowls with a swirl of pesto or crème fraîche on top for an elegant touch. You can even hollow out mini bread bowls to make servings extra fun and festive, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover minestrone in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before reheating, I like to stir it well because the pasta can settle and absorb the broth. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating helps it loosen up nicely.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing to avoid it becoming mushy upon reheating. Freeze it in portions for easy meals later on. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your minestrone on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. This method preserves the texture and flavor much better than microwaving. I’ve found reheating slowly also gives the flavors a chance to deepen even more!

FAQs

Can I make this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese garnish. Just use a good-quality vegetable broth and plenty of fresh herbs for flavor, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based meal.
What pasta works best in minestrone soup?

Small-shaped pasta like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni works great because they cook quickly and fit perfectly on a spoon with the soup’s vegetables and beans.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have time, soaking and cooking dried beans yourself adds extra creaminess and flavor. Just be sure to cook them fully before adding to the soup.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy when reheating leftovers?

Undercooking the pasta slightly when first making the soup helps, as it finishes cooking gently when warming leftovers. Also, store the pasta separately if possible or add fresh pasta when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe has been a longtime favorite in my kitchen because it’s truly the kind of wholesome, comforting meal everyone loves. It’s easy to put together, forgiving for cooks of all levels, and endlessly adaptable. I encourage you to give it a whirl—you’ll soon see why I keep coming back to it whenever I need something nourishing and delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to savor vegetables in a cozy, warm bowl. So, grab your pot, some fresh ingredients, and let’s make magic happen!