Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

This easy minestrone soup recipe is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a comforting tomato broth. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables to make it truly your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutrient-Packed: Bursting with vegetables and beans, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or pasta shapes to keep things interesting.
• Great Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or batch cooking.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a warm, inviting flavor that satisfies the soul.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this easy minestrone soup recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large 6-quart soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large 6-quart soup pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your soup.

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Ingredients

This easy minestrone soup recipe is a hearty and healthy Italian-inspired dish packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s simple to prepare and customizable with your favorite veggies and seasonings.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons salted butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium white onion, diced
– 3 medium celery ribs, diced
– 4 medium carrots, diced
– 3 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
– 1 (15 ounce) can white cannellini beans, undrained
– 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon dried basil
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 8 ounces elbow macaroni or shell pasta
– 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Heat Your Pot

Heat 2 tablespoons salted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 6-quart soup pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the onions begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced celery ribs, carrots, and zucchini. Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until these vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 4: Combine Base Ingredients

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes along with the tomato sauce. Add both cans of beans (white cannellini and kidney) along with the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in dried basil and oregano. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni or shell pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer at a low boil for about 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

In the final two minutes of cooking, add roughly chopped baby spinach to wilt it down into the soup.

Step 7: Season & Serve

Taste before serving; season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve hot while garnishing each bowl with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

How to Serve Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Serving your easy minestrone soup recipe can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to consider that enhance both flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

Topped with Parmesan

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Parmesan Crisps: Add crispy parmesan shards for texture and a tasty crunch.

Accompanied by Salad

• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Caesar Salad: Classic Caesar salad pairs well, balancing the flavors with its creamy dressing.

With Herbs and Spices

• Fresh Basil: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over each bowl before serving.

How to Perfect Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Making your easy minestrone soup recipe truly remarkable involves a few handy tips. Implement these suggestions to enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs when possible. They provide a vibrant taste compared to dried herbs.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences—this soup is versatile!
• Perfect Pasta Cooking: Add pasta during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more beans or reduce the liquid slightly during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your easy minestrone soup recipe can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic and herbs make for a perfect dipper.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil tossed in olive oil create a light and refreshing side.
3. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers comfort and richness alongside the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring extra nutrition and flavor.
5. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds texture and complements the vegetable medley in the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or grains can serve as a hearty addition to your meal.
7. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables brings variety and excitement to your table.
8. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this easy minestrone soup recipe, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using the wrong type of beans or vegetables can alter the taste. Stick to the recommended beans and feel free to customize with seasonal veggies.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Failing to season throughout cooking can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking pasta too long in the soup can make it mushy. Add the pasta towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.
• Bold skipping broth: Using water instead of vegetable broth will result in a less flavorful soup. Always use quality broth for depth of flavor.
• Bold not letting it simmer: Rushing through the cooking process without allowing flavors to meld can diminish taste. Simmer longer for a richer flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

• Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating; lasts up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup into an oven-safe dish and cover; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat; stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries regarding the easy minestrone soup recipe.

Can I make this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply eliminate any dairy ingredients like cheese or butter and use plant-based alternatives.

What vegetables can I add to my Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe?

You can add bell peppers, kale, or any favorite seasonal vegetables. Just ensure they cook well within the given time.

How long does this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe take to prepare?

The total time is about 50 minutes, including both prep and cooking times.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great time-saving option; just add them directly into the pot during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This easy minestrone soup recipe is not only hearty but also versatile. You can customize it with your preferred ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Try experimenting with different beans or greens for new flavors!