Classic Minestrone Soup

Classic Minestrone Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Favorite

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Classic Minestrone Soup to bring everyone together. This timeless dish is packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a dish that’s perfect for meal prep, this soup delivers both taste and nutrition in every bite.

But what makes minestrone soup so special? First, it’s incredibly versatile. Traditionally, this Italian-inspired soup was made to use up seasonal vegetables, which means you can easily adjust it to fit what you have on hand. Additionally, it’s both filling and nourishing, making it a great option for anyone craving a balanced meal.

As you prepare this recipe, you’ll quickly see how effortlessly it comes together. First, the aromatic base of onions, carrots, and celery is sautéed to enhance its natural sweetness. Then, garlic, zucchini, and bell peppers join the mix, creating layers of flavor. After that, a combination of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans adds richness and texture. Finally, everything simmers together with herbs and pasta, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish.

What’s even better? This Classic Minestrone Soup is perfect for leftovers. Because the flavors continue to develop overnight, it tastes even better the next day. Whether you serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a side of crusty bread, this soup is a must-try for any home cook.

So, if you’re looking for a simple, hearty meal that’s both wholesome and delicious, this recipe is for you. Let’s get started and make this classic soup a new favorite in your kitchen!

INGREDIENTS

1 zucchini, diced
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
One can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup water
2 carrots, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 min until softened. Stir in the garlic, zucchini, and bell peppers, then cook for another 3 min until fragrant.

2. Add the base ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the cannellini beans, kidney beans, vegetable broth, and water. Stir to combine, making sure all ingredients are well distributed.

3. Season the soup: Sprinkle in oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 min, allowing the flavors to blend.

4. Cook the pasta: Stir in the small pasta and continue simmering, uncovered, for 10 min or until the pasta is tender but not overcooked.

5. Finish with greens: Add the chopped baby spinach and fresh parsley, then stir gently. Let cook for 2 more min, just until the spinach wilts.

6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Enjoy this comforting Easy Classic Minestrone Soup, packed with vegetables and rich flavors!

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Sauté for Maximum Flavor: Before adding the broth, first, take the time to sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they become softened. As a result, this enhances the depth of flavor, ultimately making your Minestrone Soup rich and satisfying.
• Balance the Liquid and Pasta: Since pasta absorbs liquid over time, consider cooking it separately if you expect to have leftovers. Otherwise, simply add extra vegetable broth when reheating so you can maintain the perfect consistency.
• Use Fresh Herbs for a Bright Finish: While dried herbs add depth during cooking, on the other hand, finishing with fresh parsley or basil just before serving will instantly boost freshness and enhance the overall taste of your classic minestrone soup.