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Classic Minestrone Soup

Warm up with this vegetarian minestrone soup! This classic recipe is healthy, easy to make, and tastes incredible. Ready in just over an hour and serves 6.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil Divided
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Chopped
  • 2 medium Carrots Peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium ribs Celery Chopped
  • 0.25 cup Tomato paste
  • 2 cups Seasonal vegetables Potatoes, squash, green beans, or peas
  • 4 cloves Garlic Pressed or minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 28 oz Diced tomatoes With their liquid, 1 large can
  • 4 cups Vegetable broth
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 teaspoon Fine sea salt
  • 2 whole Bay leaves
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup Whole grain pasta Orecchiette, elbow or small shell
  • 15 oz Great Northern or cannellini beans Rinsed and drained, 1 can
  • 2 cups Fresh greens Baby spinach, chopped kale or collard greens
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon juice Fresh squeezed
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese Freshly grated, for garnishing (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven
  • Stockpot

Method
 

  1. Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the onion, carrot, celery, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables have softened and onions are translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  2. Add seasonal vegetables, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Cook until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, and water. Add salt, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Partially cover the pot with a lid, leaving about a 1-inch gap for steam to escape. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook for 15 minutes covered.
  6. Remove the lid and add the pasta, beans, and greens. Continue simmering uncovered for 20 minutes or until pasta is al dente and greens are tender.
  7. Remove from heat and remove bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice and remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  8. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper until flavors are balanced. Garnish bowls with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use seasonal vegetables of your choice for best results. Great Northern or cannellini beans work beautifully in this recipe. Vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese garnish. Always remove bay leaves before serving. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.