🇮🇹 Italy · Food

Classic Minestrone Soup

Name: Classic Minestrone Soup
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: IT
Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic, minced Garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil Olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Parsley; 2 medium carrots, diced Carrot; 1 medium zucchini, diced Zucchini; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish) Basil; 100g fresh spinach, roughly chopped Spinach; 150g fresh green beans, trimmed and halved Green beans; 1 large onion, chopped Onion; To taste Black pepper; 1.5 litres vegetable broth Vegetable broth; 400g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained Cannellini beans; 100g small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni) Small pasta; 400g can chopped tomatoes Canned chopped tomatoes; For serving, grated (optional) Parmesan cheese; 2 celery stalks, diced Celery; To taste Salt

⏱ 30 min

A relaxed effort

🔥 300 kcal

Nicely balanced

🍽 6 servings

Feeds a crowd

By eatmundo · July 6, 2026

🇮🇹 IT

Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup, often featuring pasta or rice, and a rich broth. This classic version is packed with seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans, and a touch of tomato, offering a comforting and wholesome meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

Ingredients

check them off as you prepare

How to Make It

1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, forming the classic soffritto base.
2
Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter. Add 1 diced medium zucchini and 150g trimmed and halved fresh green beans. Sauté for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
3
Pour in the 400g can of chopped tomatoes and 1.5 litres of vegetable broth. Add the 400g can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Add 100g of small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions until the pasta is al dente, usually around 7-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5
Stir in 100g of roughly chopped fresh spinach and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Cook for just 2-3 minutes more, or until the spinach has wilted. The spinach should retain its vibrant green color.
6
Taste the soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that the broth and beans might already contain some salt, so adjust carefully. A good Minestrone should be well-seasoned but not overly salty.
7
Ladle the hot Minestrone into bowls. Optionally, garnish each serving with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vegetables are essential for Minestrone?+

While Minestrone is flexible, the soffritto base of onion, carrot, and celery is crucial. Beyond that, common additions include zucchini, green beans, potatoes, and leafy greens like spinach or kale.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned for Minestrone?+

Yes, you can use dried cannellini beans. Soak them overnight, then cook them separately until tender before adding them to the soup. One cup of dried beans yields about three cups cooked, equivalent to two cans.

What kind of pasta works best in Minestrone?+

Small, short pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal for Minestrone as they are easy to eat with a spoon and cook quickly within the soup. For a gluten-free option, use rice or gluten-free pasta.

Can Minestrone be made ahead of time and how long does it last?+

Minestrone is excellent for meal prep! It can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If adding pasta, it's best to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings to prevent it from getting mushy.

🇮🇹 IT