Name: Hearty Vegetarian 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; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; ¾ cup small pasta; 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste); Freshly ground black pepper; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Red pepper flakes (to taste); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

If you’re looking for a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s packed with veggies and bursting with flavor, I absolutely have to share my Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe with you. This is the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights or whenever you need a healthy, filling meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a family favorite in my kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with wholesome veggies: Every spoonful brims with fresh vegetables that nourish and satisfy.
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: You probably already have most of these on hand, making this recipe super accessible.
Perfect balance of flavors: The herbs and seasonings create a beautiful depth without overpowering the natural freshness.
Versatile and adaptable: Easily customize it to your liking or whatever veggies you have available.

The image shows two white bowls filled with vegetable soup placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a bright red broth with visible layers of sliced orange carrots, green beans, small pasta rings, and white beans, with tiny green herbs sprinkled on top. A woman’s hand holds a spoon resting inside one of the bowls. Above the bowls, a large pot of the same soup is visible with a wooden spoon resting inside; the pot sits on the marbled surface next to a wooden board. On the board, there are two white garlic bulbs, a small wooden bowl with red chili flakes, another wooden bowl with chopped green herbs, and some sprigs of fresh parsley. Sliced white bread pieces are placed near the board, and a striped white and blue cloth lies casually next to the bowls. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup, vegetarian minestrone, healthy vegetable soup, easy vegetarian soup recipes, comforting veggie soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe lies in using fresh, vibrant vegetables paired with simple seasonings and a touch of Italian herbs. Picking quality pantry staples like good olive oil and vegetable broth really elevates the flavor, so I always recommend using the best you can find.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, one medium yellow onion whole with skin, two medium fresh carrots whole with green tops removed, two celery ribs whole and fresh, one teaspoon sea salt in a small white bowl, freshly ground black pepper in a small white bowl, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, one small white ceramic bowl filled with diced fresh tomatoes, one small white ceramic bowl with cooked white beans, one small white bowl of chopped fresh green beans, two dried bay leaves placed flat, one small white bowl with dried oregano, one small white bowl with dried thyme, three quarters cup of small pasta (ditalini) loose, one small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped fresh parsley, one small white bowl with red pepper flakes, and a small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically 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 Vegetarian Minestrone Soup, vegetarian minestrone, healthy vegetable soup, easy vegetarian soup recipes, comforting veggie soup

Extra-virgin olive oil: I use this for its robust flavor and healthy fats—it’s the perfect base for sautéing veggies.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; make sure it’s diced finely so it cooks evenly.
Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and lovely color to the soup.
Celery ribs: Their mild bitterness balances the sweetness of other veggies perfectly.
Sea salt: Season as you cook and taste along the way to get it just right.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a little warmth and bite.
Garlic cloves: Grated for intense flavor that dissolves into the soup—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Diced tomatoes: The canned kind works great here, providing tang and body.
Cooked white or kidney beans: These add heartiness and plant-based protein—rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium.
Green beans: Fresh and crunchy, chopped into bite-size pieces.
Vegetable broth: The soup base—use low sodium if you want more control over salt levels.
Bay leaves: Classic herb that lends subtle aromatic notes.
Dried oregano and thyme: These Italian staples bring earthiness and complexity.
Small pasta: I prefer ditalini or small shells that cook quickly and blend well with the soup.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and added at the end for brightness and color.
Red pepper flakes: A little optional heat that wakes up the flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but incredible—adds saltiness and richness when sprinkled on top.

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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

I love that this Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe is so forgiving and easy to personalize. Over the years, I’ve played with different veggies and beans depending on the season or what’s in my fridge, and each time it turns out delightful.

Switch up the beans: I sometimes swap white beans for chickpeas or lentils for a different texture and protein boost.
Add greens: Baby spinach or kale stirred in near the end adds a fresh punch of color and nutrients.
Use different pasta shapes: If you don’t have small pasta, broken spaghetti or even orzo works just as well.
Make it spicy: Crank up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for smoky heat.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta, or skip the pasta and add more beans or quinoa to keep it hearty.

How to Make Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables to Build Flavor

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally and let them soften gently for about 8 minutes. You’ll see the onions turn translucent, and the carrots start to tenderize—that’s your green light to move on. This step creates the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Garlic, Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Next up, stir in the grated garlic—you’ll notice the kitchen filling with a wonderful aroma right away. Add the canned diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans, chopped green beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Give everything a good stir, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This lets the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Remove the lid and stir in the small pasta. Keep the soup uncovered, and let it cook for about 10 more minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender but still a little al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where the soup transforms into a hearty main dish rather than just a starter.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving

Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each bowl, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra layer of flavor (totally optional, but I highly recommend it!).

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Prep Ingredients in Advance: Having everything chopped and ready before you start makes cooking so much smoother, especially when sautéing the veggies.
Don’t Rush the Sauté: I learned the hard way that those first 8 minutes build crucial flavor — low and slow is key.
Use Quality Broth: Vegetable broth can make or break the soup; homemade or a good store-bought kind adds extra depth.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Add it late and watch closely so it stays firm and doesn’t become mushy when reheated.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with bright red tomato-based soup with visible layers of diced tomatoes, white beans, small round pasta, sliced orange carrots, chopped green beans, and herbs scattered on top. The soup has a slightly thick texture with floating small vegetables and pasta. A silver spoon with a dark brown handle rests inside the bowl. Beside the bowl are pieces of crusty bread with a golden-brown crust, placed on top of a white marbled surface. A striped cloth napkin in beige and blue sits close to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup, vegetarian minestrone, healthy vegetable soup, easy vegetarian soup recipes, comforting veggie soup

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a little fire, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan is my go-to finish—it lends that creamy, salty richness that takes the soup over the top.

Side Dishes

You really can’t go wrong with crusty bread alongside this soup. I love a warm baguette or garlic bread for dipping. Sometimes I pair it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that feels really satisfying without being heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—everyone loves the rustic charm and can eat the bowl too! Another time, I ladled it into pretty bowls, topped with a swirl of pesto and fresh basil leaves, which wowed my guests and made the meal feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover minestrone in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making lunch the next day a treat. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. After cooking, I cool it completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw and reheat, the pasta might soak up more broth, so I usually add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up and bring back that soupy texture.

Reheating

I reheat mine gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often until steaming hot. This helps avoid overcooking the pasta further. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, making it a perfect choice for vegan meals.
What’s the best pasta to use in minestrone soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni work best as they cook quickly and blend evenly throughout the soup. If you don’t have these, broken spaghetti or orzo are great substitutes.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook the beans in advance as dried beans take much longer to prepare. Using canned beans is a convenient shortcut and just as delicious after rinsing them well.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?

This minestrone soup stays fresh for about 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying during the week.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make this Hearty Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe, it reminds me of those cozy evenings spent sharing stories with family around the table. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple to make but impressively satisfying, nurturing both body and soul. I really hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this soup as much as I do—it’s a winner for any occasion, and I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!