Easy Minestrone Soup

Think You Don’t Have Time for Homemade Soup? This 30-Minute Minestrone Will Change Your Mind

What if you could make a hearty, traditional Italian soup faster than you could get it delivered? This Easy Minestrone Soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, using mostly pantry staples. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something nourishing and comforting without the long simmer time.

Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this one-pot wonder is a complete meal that satisfies the whole family. The secret is in the broth and a few key ingredients that build deep flavor quickly. Let’s make the ultimate Easy Minestrone Soup.

Ingredients

This Easy Minestrone Soup comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that create a rich, aromatic broth filled with tender vegetables, beans, and pasta.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup small pasta (elbows, shells, or ditalini)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Easy Minestrone Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar traditional versions, making it perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add one diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, and two diced carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 2 — Add Hearty Vegetables

Stir in two diced celery stalks and one diced zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. This builds a flavorful foundation for your Easy Minestrone Soup.

Step 3 — Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 6 cups of vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, you can substitute with chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4 — Add Beans and Pasta

Drain and rinse one 15-ounce can of cannellini beans and one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, then add them to the pot. Stir in ½ cup of small pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni.

Step 5 — Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes. The pasta should be al dente—tender but still firm to the bite.

Step 6 — Stir in Greens and Season

Fold in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach or kale and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 7 — Final Adjustments and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. For extra richness, drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving. This Easy Minestrone Soup is best enjoyed hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information

Calories	220
Protein	9g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	5g
Fiber	8g
Sodium	750mg
Vitamin A	45% DV
Vitamin C	30% DV

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles — A lower-carb option that adds a fresh, light texture to your Easy Minestrone Soup.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth — Reduces salt content while maintaining the savory base of this classic soup.
• Replace beans with lentils — Offers a different plant-based protein with an earthy, hearty flavor profile.
• Opt for gluten-free pasta — Makes this Easy Minestrone Soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing comfort.
• Substitute dairy with nutritional yeast — Provides a cheesy, umami flavor for a dairy-free version of Minestrone.
• Add lean turkey sausage — A lighter protein alternative to traditional pork sausage that still delivers robust flavor.
• Use kale instead of spinach — Adds more texture and nutrients, holding up better in the simmering process.
• Swap potatoes for cauliflower — Lowers the carb count while contributing a mild, creamy element to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Easy Minestrone Soup with a thick slice of crusty, rustic bread for dipping.
• Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a complete, light meal.
• Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch with family.
• Ladle into a deep bowl and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• For a heartier occasion, add a side of garlic bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• This soup is an excellent make-ahead option for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.

This versatile Easy Minestrone Soup is a crowd-pleaser for any casual gathering or a comforting solo meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using under-seasoned broth. Fix: Use a high-quality vegetable or chicken stock and taste for seasoning before adding salt.
• Mistake: Overcooking the vegetables into mush. Fix: Add delicate greens like spinach or zucchini in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the tomato paste sauté. Fix: Cook the tomato paste with the aromatics for a minute to deepen its flavor.
• Mistake: Adding pasta directly to the soup pot. Fix: Cook pasta separately and add it to each bowl to prevent it from becoming bloated.
• Mistake: Not building layers of flavor. Fix: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened before adding liquid.
• Mistake: Forgetting the Parmesan rind. Fix: Simmer a rind in the broth for a rich, umami depth.
• Mistake: Using canned beans without rinsing. Fix: Always rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid.
• Mistake: Serving without a final brightening element. Fix: Finish each bowl with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh herbs.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Easy Minestrone Soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Leave about an inch of space for expansion.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), stirring occasionally.

For best quality, add any pasta just before serving if you plan to freeze your minestrone, as it can become mushy.

Conclusion

This hearty and flavorful Easy Minestrone Soup is the perfect one-pot meal for a busy weeknight. We hope you love this simple, comforting recipe as much as we do. Give it a try and be sure to leave a comment with your review below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious and easy recipes.

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Minestrone Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this Easy Minestrone Soup actually tastes better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely. Frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans work well and save prep time for this Easy Minestrone Soup.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Add cooked pasta, rice, or extra beans to bulk it up. This Easy Minestrone Soup is very adaptable to your preferences.