Minestrone Soup From Scratch
This classic Italian minestrone soup is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth, it's the perfect way to warm up any day while cleaning out your fridge with delicious results.
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Servings: 6
Calories: 285kcal
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 medium celery ribs chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta ditalini or elbows
- 1 15 oz can beans (cannellini, navy, or kidney), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh greens spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, bay leaf, and beans.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Stir in chopped greens and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with remaining olive oil and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand such as zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans
For a heartier soup, substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth
Soup can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator
If making ahead, cook pasta separately and add when reheating to prevent mushiness
Freeze soup without pasta for up to 3 months
Add a Parmesan rind to the simmering broth for extra flavor depth
For vegan option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 680mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g