Classic Italian Minestrone (Print Version)

Hearty Italian vegetable and pasta soup with beans in rich tomato broth

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, chopped
08 - 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

→ Base and Seasonings

09 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Pasta and Beans

16 - 3/4 cup small pasta such as ditalini, elbow, or small shells
17 - 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Garnishes

19 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
20 - Chopped fresh parsley
21 - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced zucchini, and chopped green beans; cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
05 - Stir in pasta and both types of beans. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta reaches al dente texture.
06 - Add spinach or kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Remove bay leaf.
07 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns your leftover produce into a rich masterpiece that tastes better than any restaurant version.
  • The broth gets thicker and heartier the next day which makes for the ultimate desk lunch.
02 -
  • Salt your broth gradually because the flavors concentrate as the liquid reduces during the simmer.
  • If you plan on having leftovers cook the pasta separately to prevent it from soaking up all the soup overnight.
03 -
  • Throw a parmesan rind into the broth while it simmers to add an incredible savory richness that salt alone cannot provide.
  • Wait to add your leafy greens until the very last minute so they maintain their texture and do not turn gray.
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