Minestrone Vegetable Soup (Printable)

Hearty Italian soup with vegetables, beans, and pasta in aromatic broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
08 - 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
09 - 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
10 - 4 cups vegetable broth
11 - 2 cups water

→ Beans & Pasta

12 - 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
13 - 3/4 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni

→ Seasonings & Herbs

14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
16 - 1 bay leaf
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
18 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional

→ Garnish

20 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
02 - Add carrots, celery, zucchini, potato, and green beans. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
03 - Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, and water. Add dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
05 - Add cannellini beans and pasta. Continue to simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until pasta and vegetables are tender.
06 - Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley and basil. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It is packed with a variety of nutrient-dense vegetables and fiber-rich beans.
  • The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple pantry staples like dried herbs and pasta.
  • It is naturally vegetarian and incredibly easy to adapt for vegan diets.
02 -
  • Check labels carefully for allergen information; use gluten-free pasta if necessary and omit dairy to keep it dairy-free.
  • Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
  • Adding the fresh herbs at the very end preserves their bright color and aromatic intensity.
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