Hearty Minestrone Soup (Cozy, Veggie-Packed & Comforting!)

This Hearty Minestrone Soup is a warm, veggie-packed Italian classic filled with tender pasta, beans, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights. Pairs beautifully with Herbed Focaccia Bread, Easy Homemade Italian Bread, or a fresh Classic Southern Garden Salad.

Why You’ll Love This

• Hearty vegetable-packed soup with classic Italian flavor

• Filling, comforting bowl that’s both nourishing and satisfying

• Simple ingredients simmered into a rich, cozy flavor

• Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or chilly days

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled & diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 cup green beans, chopped

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained & rinsed

• 1 ½ cups small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or shells)

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 parmesan rind (adds amazing flavor!)

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

For Serving

• Fresh parmesan

• Chopped parsley

• Crusty bread

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

2. Add Vegetables & Seasonings: Stir in zucchini, green beans, basil, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Cook 3–4 minutes.

3. Build the Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Add beans and optional parmesan rind. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Add Pasta: Stir in pasta and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.

5. Finish the Soup: Remove parmesan rind. Stir in spinach until wilted. Adjust salt & pepper to taste.

6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with parmesan and parsley. Serve with warm bread for a cozy, complete meal.

Ways to Serve

• Serve with warm breads like Homemade Sourdough Bread, Classic Southern Cornbread, or Amish White Bread.

• Pair with fresh sides such as Classic Caesar Salad or Creamy Coleslaw.

• Offer a side of Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread for dipping.

FAQ

Can I make this soup ahead?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze minestrone?

Yes — but freeze without the pasta, and add it fresh when reheating.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta entirely.

Can I add meat?

Absolutely! Browned Italian sausage, pancetta, or shredded chicken work beautifully.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes — minestrone is very flexible. Use what you have: potatoes, squash, cabbage, or peas.

Conclusion

This Hearty Minestrone Soup is everything you want in a comfort bowl — cozy, nourishing, full of veggies, and layered with rich Italian flavors. It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying as meal prep. This recipe is sure to become a reader favorite on Cozy Home Recipes!