Minestrone Soup with Beans and Pasta: A Hearty Classic 2026

This minestrone soup proves that eating well doesn't have to cost a fortune. It turns affordable pantry staples like beans, pasta, and canned tomatoes into a pot of something truly special and satisfying. There's a reason this classic Italian soup has been a family favorite for generations. It's the ultimate one-pot wonder, a hug in a bowl that simmers away on the stove, filling your kitchen with the most comforting aroma of garlic, herbs, and vegetables. A good minestrone soup is more than just a meal; it's a feeling. It's the promise of a cozy dinner on a chilly night, a reliable lunch for the week ahead, and the kind of nourishing food that makes everyone feel at home. I love how forgiving it is, welcoming whatever vegetables you have on hand, and how it somehow tastes even better the next day. Let's make a pot of this hearty classic together.

Ingredients List

This minestrone soup recipe is built on a foundation of simple, flavorful ingredients. You'll likely have most of them in your pantry or fridge right now, which makes it one of the best soup recipes ever for a spontaneous, comforting dinner.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta, like ditalini or small shells
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
1 medium zucchini, diced
2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For serving: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and crusty bread

Smart Swaps & Substitutions:

Beans: Any beans work! Great Northern, chickpeas, or even a can of black beans are perfect.
Pasta: Use any small shape. For a gluten-free minestrone soup, swap in your favorite GF pasta or a cup of rice.
Vegetables: This is your canvas. Swap zucchini for yellow squash, add green beans, or toss in a diced potato. Use what you have.
Greens: Kale, chard, or escarole are all fantastic instead of spinach.

Timing

This is one of those quick soup recipes that feels like it simmered all day, but comes together in under an hour.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

That's about 30% faster than many traditional minestrone recipes that call for longer simmers, making it perfect for a weeknight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making minestrone soup is a joyful, straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a pot full of flavor.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. This step builds the flavor base, so don't rush it. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Add Beans and Pasta

Stir in both cans of drained beans. Then, add your cup of dry pasta directly to the simmering broth. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will cook right in the soup, absorbing all that wonderful flavor.

4. Finish with Fresh Veggies

About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, stir in the diced zucchini. Once the pasta is al dente and the zucchini is tender-crisp, turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach or kale—it will wilt perfectly from the residual heat. Season the entire pot of minestrone soup generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this homemade minestrone soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. It's packed with fiber from the beans and vegetables, plant-based protein, and vitamins A and C from the carrots, tomatoes, and greens. Using vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, while the olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. It's a balanced, satisfying meal that truly fuels you.

(Per serving, approximately 1.5 cups): Calories: ~320 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fiber: 12g | Fat: 7g

Equipment Needed

You don't need any fancy gadgets for this minestrone soup. A regular kitchen with basic tools is all it takes.

A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (5-7 quart capacity is ideal)
A sharp chef's knife and cutting board
A wooden spoon or silicone spatula
A can opener
A measuring cup and spoons

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This minestrone soup recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect family meal.

The Ultimate Clean-Out-The-Fridge Meal: It's incredibly adaptable. Those lingering carrots, that half an onion, a handful of pasta—they all find a home here.
Meal Prep Champion: It tastes even better on days two and three, making it the ultimate make-ahead lunch or easy dinner recipe for a busy week.
Nourishing and Satisfying: Loaded with vegetables, beans, and whole grains (from the pasta), it's a complete, comforting meal that leaves everyone feeling good.
Budget-Friendly Feast: It makes a huge pot of soup for just a few dollars, stretching your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This minestrone soup is already quite healthy, but you can easily tweak it to fit specific dietary needs.

Gluten-Free: Simply use a gluten-free pasta like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. You could also omit the pasta entirely and add an extra cup of diced potatoes or cauliflower rice.
Lower-Carb / Keto: Skip the pasta and beans. Increase the volume with more low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and mushrooms. You'll still get a deeply flavorful vegetable soup.
Higher-Protein: Add a pound of browned Italian sausage or ground turkey with the onions. For a plant-based boost, stir in a cup of cooked lentils or an extra can of beans.
Dairy-Free: It's naturally dairy-free! Just skip the Parmesan cheese garnish or use a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of this minestrone soup is a meal in itself, but a few simple additions make it truly special.

The Essential Garnish: A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil add a salty, herbal finish that brightens the whole bowl.
The Perfect Side: A thick slice of crusty, warm bread or a soft, buttery dinner roll is non-negotiable for dipping and soaking up every last drop of broth.
For a Heartier Meal: Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness. It's also fantastic with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food duo.
Make it Your Own: Set out small bowls of red pepper flakes for heat, a drizzle of good olive oil for richness, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest soups have pitfalls. Avoid these to make sure your minestrone soup is perfect.

Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the pasta in the soup for the full time, it can become mushy, especially in leftovers. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the hot broth. For meal prep, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl when serving.
Skipping the Sauté: Don't just dump everything in the pot. Taking the time to sauté the onion, carrots, and celery (the soffritto) is crucial. It caramelizes their natural sugars and builds a deep, complex flavor base for your minestrone soup.
Underseasoning: Beans, vegetables, and broth need a good amount of salt to sing. Season in layers: a pinch when sautéing the veggies, and then generously at the end after you've added all the liquid and beans. Always taste and adjust before serving.
Using Weak Broth: Your broth is the backbone. Use a good-quality, low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth so you can control the salt level. If your broth is bland, the soup will be bland.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Storage and leftovers for Minestrone Soup

This soup is a gift that keeps on giving, making it one of the best easy soup ideas for planning ahead.

Refrigerator: Cool the soup completely and store it in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Freezer: This minestrone soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze it without the pasta, as pasta can become grainy when frozen and reheated. Portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, then cook fresh pasta to add in.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The microwave works fine for single servings—just heat in intervals, stirring in between.

Conclusion

This minestrone soup with beans and pasta is the very definition of comfort food made easy. It's flexible, forgiving, and endlessly satisfying—a recipe you'll return to again and again. Whether you're feeding a crowd, prepping lunches, or just need a reliable pot of something good on a Tuesday night, this classic has your back. Simple ingredients, warm memories, and a whole lot of flavor are waiting for you on the stove.

I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your own kitchen tradition. If you give it a try, I'd love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know what vegetable variations you tried. And don't forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful, cozy creations.

If you loved this hearty minestrone, you might also enjoy my other comforting soup recipes like my Crockpot Vegetable Lentil Soup for a hands-off approach, or my deeply flavorful Smoky Black Bean Soup. For more bean-based comfort, try my Ham Bean Soup or the vibrant White Bean Kale Soup. And if you're craving something with a different flavor profile, my Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is a wonderfully aromatic option.

FAQs about Minestrone Soup

What is minestrone soup made of?

Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian vegetable soup typically made with a base of broth (vegetable or chicken), pasta or rice, and a variety of vegetables such as beans, tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots, and zucchini. The exact ingredients can vary depending on regional and personal preferences.

Is minestrone soup healthy?

Yes, minestrone soup is generally considered a very healthy dish. It's packed with nutrients from the diverse array of vegetables, and often includes fiber-rich beans. The broth base is usually low in calories and fat, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

What's the difference between vegetable soup and minestrone?

While both are vegetable-based soups, minestrone is specifically Italian and typically includes pasta or rice, and often beans. Vegetable soup is a broader term and can encompass a wider range of vegetable combinations without necessarily including pasta/rice or beans. Minestrone also often features a richer, tomato-based broth.

What is the best pasta to use in minestrone soup?

Small pasta shapes are best for minestrone soup. Ditalini, elbow macaroni, small shells (conchigliette), or orzo are popular choices. The small size ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat within the soup.

Does minestrone soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, minestrone soup often thickens as it sits, primarily due to the pasta or rice absorbing the broth. The beans and vegetables can also contribute to thickening. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency when reheating.

What do you eat with minestrone soup?

Minestrone soup is often served with crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is also a common addition. Other accompaniments can include a drizzle of olive oil or a side salad. It's often a complete meal in itself!

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Minestrone Soup

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