If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious, and flavor-packed soup, this Italian minestrone recipe checks all the boxes. Packed with an assortment of fresh vegetables, pasta, and beans, it’s a vibrant dish that celebrates the best of Italian cooking. The aromatic blend of basil, oregano, and garlic enhances the rich, savory broth, while the variety of textures keeps every spoonful exciting. Pair it with a slice of rustic Italian bread for a meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for any season, this soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Italian Minestrone
- 2 cups (300 g) chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cups (225 g) chopped carrot
- 1 cup (150 g) diced green bell pepper
- 5 cups (750 g) cubed zucchini and yellow squash
- 4 cups (600 g) fresh diced Roma tomatoes
- 3–4 cups (720–960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp (4 g) dried basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp (1.25 g) dried oregano leaves
- 1 tbsp (15 g) minced garlic
- 1/2 cup (50 g) whole wheat pasta (elbow, shells, or penne)
- 1 can (15.5 oz / 440 g) dark red kidney beans, undrained
- 1 tbsp (5 g) grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions for Italian Minestrone
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the chopped onion, carrot, green bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, diced tomatoes, broth, black pepper, basil, oregano, and garlic. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for 45 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the vegetables soften.
- Add the undrained kidney beans and the pasta to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the soup back to a boil. Cover again, reduce the heat, and simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Serve the soup hot. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy with a slice of crusty Italian bread for the perfect finishing touch.
This classic Italian minestrone is the epitome of comfort food. Loaded with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. The fragrant blend of Italian herbs adds depth and warmth to the dish, making it ideal for any time you crave a bowl of goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it as a main course, this minestrone is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Prepare it for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or meal-prep for the week—it’s a recipe that never disappoints!
