Name: Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced); 2 large carrots (peeled and cut into rounds); 2 celery ribs (finely sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup green beans (trimmed and roughly chopped); 2 cups kale (roughly chopped); 28 ounce diced tomatoes (canned); 4 cups vegetable broth; 15 ounces cannellini beans (canned, rinsed and drained); 3/4 cup small pasta (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini); salt and pepper (to taste); fresh basil (to garnish); 1/2 cup shaved parmesan (to garnish)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of soup that warms you from the inside out, and this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe does exactly that. It’s packed full of fresh veggies, tender pasta, and creamy beans, making it just right for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.

A white bowl with a blue scalloped edge holds a soup made of three main layers: the base layer is a clear red tomato broth, the middle layer is filled with small curved elbow macaroni pasta and white beans, and the top layer is a mix of dark green leafy kale pieces and bright green beans and carrots. On top, there are three thin slices of pale yellow cheese and several fresh bright green basil leaves scattered around. The bowl is placed on a brown wooden table with green basil leaves artfully scattered nearby, along with part of a white bowl with more soup and a black pot with a beige woven cover. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This hearty vegetable minestrone soup isn’t just a recipe — it’s a go-to for me whenever I want something filling, healthy, and ridiculously tasty. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together for a soup that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Loaded with Fresh Veggies: Every spoonful is bursting with carrots, green beans, kale, and more, making it vibrant and delicious.
Comforting & Filling: The cannellini beans and pasta add a satisfying texture that keeps you full for hours.
Easy to Customize: You can easily swap veggies or add your own twist to suit your taste or pantry.
Perfect for Any Season: Whether chilly winter nights or a cool spring evening, this soup fits the bill beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that balance flavor and nutrition. I love how each component supports the others — the beans and pasta provide protein and carbs for warmth, while the vegetables add freshness and color.

Flat lay of a small glass bowl of golden olive oil, one medium yellow onion diced into small pieces, two large peeled carrots sliced into rounds, two celery ribs finely sliced, two peeled garlic cloves minced, a small heap of chopped green beans, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes, a small white bowl with clear vegetable broth, a small white bowl of creamy white cannellini beans, a pile of roughly chopped deep green kale, a small white bowl filled with uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a small mound of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, a few fresh basil leaves, and a small white bowl of pale yellow shaved parmesan cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: The base fat that gently sautés the veggies and adds richness without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness that forms the flavor foundation.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Celery: Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
Garlic: A must for savoriness and that inviting aroma as the soup simmers.
Green beans: Provide a nice bite and vibrant color.
Canned diced tomatoes: Ideal for a rich tomato base, keeps things easy and consistent year-round.
Vegetable broth: Adds warmth and depth; homemade or store-bought works fine.
Cannellini beans: Creamy, protein-packed beans that add heartiness.
Kale: This leafy green adds nutrients and a lovely texture after simmering.
Small pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini): Easy to eat and holds the broth perfectly.
Salt and pepper: To season and bring out the best flavors.
Fresh basil: As a garnish, it brightens and elevates each bowl.
Shaved parmesan: A delicious salty finish that melts slightly when sprinkled on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe depending on what’s fresh or what I have in the pantry. Don’t hesitate to play around and make this your own — it’s forgiving and adaptable.

Variation: Sometimes I add zucchini or bell peppers for more color and sweetness — it never disappoints.
Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free version, swap pasta for gluten-free varieties or even rice.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a lovely kick.
Protein boost: Toss in some cooked sausage or shredded chicken if you want a meatier version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

A black pan filled with a thick tomato broth soup that has three main layers visible: the bright red liquid base, mixed with small beige elbow pasta pieces scattered throughout, bright orange carrot slices shaped like small rounds, and dark green curly kale leaves that float on top. Small green beans pieces and light green celery bits are also mixed in, adding texture and color contrast. The pan rests on a dark wooden surface with some fresh green basil leaves placed nearby and a light purple cloth partially visible on the lower right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently Sauté the Base Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add finely diced onion, sliced celery, and carrot rounds. Patience is key here — cook gently for about 10 minutes until everything softens and the onion turns translucent. This slow cooking draws out natural sweetness and builds a rich flavor base without burning anything.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Green Beans

Next, toss in the minced garlic and chopped green beans. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much; you want it fragrant but not bitter. The green beans will keep their slight snap, adding texture that complements the tender carrots and celery.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Crank the heat just enough to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble lightly for 20 minutes or until all the veggies are tender. This slow simmer brings everything together and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Beans, Kale, and Pasta Join the Party

Finally, add the rinsed cannellini beans, chopped kale, and your small pasta. Stir well and simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Give your soup a taste test and season generously with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and a generous handful of shaved parmesan. The basil adds a pop of freshness, while the cheese brings that wonderful salty finish we all crave.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe, a few small details make all the difference to flavor and texture. Here are some tips I've learned that really help it shine.

Low and slow for veggies: Don’t rush the initial sautéeing — letting onions and carrots soften fully sets a richer flavor foundation.
Use quality broth: A good vegetable broth really elevates the soup, so pick one you enjoy or make your own if possible.
Don’t overcook the pasta: It should be tender but still have a bite, so stir and check often during the final simmer.
Fresh basil last: Add basil right before serving to keep that herbal brightness fresh and fragrant.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

vegetable minestrone - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this soup with fresh basil because it adds that wonderful herbal punch. Then, a good handful of shaved parmesan melts beautifully into the hot broth. Sometimes, I also drizzle just a little extra virgin olive oil for a silky touch.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread—like a rustic Italian loaf or garlic bread—is my go-to pairing. It soaks up the soup beautifully and adds a nice contrasting crunch. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also work great alongside for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I scoop the soup into individual rustic bowls and sprinkle with microgreens along with the basil and parmesan. Sometimes I serve it in small cups as a starter. It’s also fun to put a parmesan crisp on top for a fancy homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 4 days. Flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I recommend freezing it without the pasta if possible—then you can cook fresh pasta when reheating to avoid mushy noodles. Freeze in portions for easy thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If pasta was frozen in, be careful to add a little extra broth or water to avoid thickening too much. Fresh basil and parmesan are best added after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe is naturally vegan. Just skip the parmesan garnish or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What pasta works best in minestrone soup?

Small shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells work perfectly because they cook evenly and are easy to eat with a spoon. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well if you prefer.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Frozen veggies like green beans, kale, or carrots are convenient and nutritious. Just add them during the simmering stage and adjust cooking times slightly since frozen veggies cook faster.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

The best way is to add the pasta towards the end of cooking and cook it just until al dente. If you’re freezing leftovers, store the soup separately from the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe has been my go-to comfort food through many seasons. It’s easy enough to whip up on busy nights but special enough to enjoy when you want something nourishing and cozy. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do—grab your pot and let’s make some soup memories together!