Name: Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 onion, finely diced; 2 carrots, finely diced; 2 celery sticks, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, diced; 2 bay leaves; 1 potato, diced into cubes; 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped; ½ cup dried lentils or 1 can cooked lentils; 1 can (15oz / 400g) cannellini beans or preferred beans; 1 cup (4.5oz / 125g) small pasta (farfalline pastina); 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred); 2 cups water; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional parmesan cheese rind (omit for vegan recipe); Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil; Chopped fresh basil or parsley; Black pepper and/or red pepper flakes; Grated parmesan cheese or pecorino; Crusty bread

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 60 reviews

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out and bursts with garden-fresh flavors, this Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Loaded with vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, creamy beans, and just the right touch of herbs and spices, it’s a classic that delivers a beautiful balance of textures and taste in every spoonful. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner eager to try something new, this soup brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two views of the same white bowl with a red-orange liquid soup base. On the left side, the bowl is filled with smooth, shiny soup with some small spices and herbs floating on the surface, and two small pieces of bay leaves visible. On the right side, a white mesh strainer is held over the bowl, containing yellow lentils and white beans being drained into the soup. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each contributing a unique note to the Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe. From the sweetness of the carrots and aroma of fresh garlic to the creamy beans and tender pasta, every element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture.

Onion, finely diced: Provides a sweet and savory base to the soup’s flavor profile.
Carrots, finely diced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal and taste.
Celery sticks, finely diced: Offers a subtle earthiness with a slight crunch to balance the softer ingredients.
Garlic cloves, diced: Brings a fragrant depth and warmth that enhances every bite.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal aroma that gently lifts the soup’s flavor.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence, adding richness and a touch of acidity.
Potato, diced into cubes: Provides hearty body and a creamy texture as it cooks down.
Vegetable broth (low sodium): A light, flavorful liquid base that lets the other ingredients shine.
Dried or cooked lentils: Adds protein and a delightful earthy note, contributing heftiness.
Cannellini beans (canned): Creamy beans that soften the texture and add richness.
Small pasta (farfalline pastina): Delicately sized pasta that cooks evenly without overpowering the soup.
Spinach, roughly chopped: Boosts the color and nutrition with a tender leafy touch.
Water: Helps adjust consistency to your liking without overpowering the broth.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and a fruity aroma to finish the soup beautifully.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
Parmesan cheese rind (optional): Enhances umami for a richer soup; can be omitted for a vegan version.

How to Make Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatics

Start by warming some olive oil in a big pot. Toss in your finely diced onions, carrots, and celery, and let them soften gently over medium heat. This trio creates the foundation, releasing sweet and savory notes that will permeate the whole soup. When the vegetables start to become tender, add the garlic for that fragrant punch—careful not to let it burn.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Once the aromatics have done their magic, stir in the tomato paste until it coats everything and deepens in color. Add the bay leaves and the potato cubes next. This is where the heart of the soup starts to come alive. Pour in your vegetable broth and water, bringing the pot to a gentle simmer. If you have a parmesan rind, toss it in now—it’ll melt down to infuse richness to the broth.

Step 3: Add Your Beans and Lentils

After the soup has simmered for a few minutes and the potatoes start to soften, stir in the lentils and cannellini beans. Lentils thicken the soup and pack in protein, while the beans add creaminess and body. Let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld and the lentils to become tender without losing their shape.

Step 4: Stir in Pasta and Spinach

Next comes the pasta, which should be small enough to cook evenly before the soup finishes. Add it to the pot and keep an eye on the texture—it’ll absorb some broth and become tender fairly quickly. Just before the end of the cooking process, toss in the roughly chopped spinach. It wilts quickly, leaving you with bursts of vivid green and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.

Step 5: Season and Finish

With all your ingredients cooked to perfection, season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top to add a luscious finish and additional flavor depth. Remove the bay leaves and, if used, the parmesan rind before serving to ensure smooth texture.

How to Serve Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe

The image shows a round, white pan filled with a warm orange soup that has small bubbles on the surface. Inside the soup, there are bright green leafy vegetables spread on top, some whole and some slightly wilted. The soup looks thick with bits of herbs and small textured pieces mixed throughout. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. The photo is clear and bright, highlighting the contrast between the orange soup and green leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl of Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe, try garnishing with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a fruity richness. Freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a bright herbal note, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat. Don’t forget the grated parmesan or pecorino cheese for that irresistible umami finish, especially if you’re not keeping this vegan.

Side Dishes

Serve your Italian Minestrone Soup with crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette can also be a refreshing counterpart, balancing the comforting warmth of the soup with a fresh bite. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with garlic-rubbed crostini or a simple antipasto platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can make a big difference when sharing this dish with friends or family. Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small wooden board holding the bread on the side. For a modern touch, garnish each bowl with a mini herb bouquet tied with a chive or a sprinkle of edible flowers. You might even portion it into small clear jars to show off the beautiful layers of colorful vegetables and beans, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if that second day tastes even better than the first!

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, which means you can make a big batch and have ready-to-go meals in no time. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It’s best to freeze before adding pasta if you want to maintain its optimal texture, as pasta can become mushy after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your saved soup, gently reheat it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, just add a splash of water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Adding a handful of fresh spinach during reheating can revive the vibrant color and fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free version, like rice pasta or gluten-free elbow macaroni, and you’ll still get all the hearty goodness without any gluten concerns.

What’s the best way to make this soup vegan?

To keep this Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese rind and any grated cheese on top. The vegetable broth and abundance of veggies and legumes provide plenty of flavor and richness on their own.

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh beans work well but will require pre-cooking until tender before adding them to the soup, as canned beans are already cooked and save time. Just be mindful of the cooking times so everything finishes together.

How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water added or cook it longer to let some liquid evaporate. For a thinner, brothier version, add extra vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach?

Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, but fresh spinach provides better texture and flavor. If you do use frozen, add it earlier in the cooking process to give it time to thaw and release excess water.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe is a delightful crowd-pleaser that brings the best of simple, wholesome ingredients together in a way that feels both nourishing and celebratory. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to for cozy nights or any time you want a bowl of pure comfort. Give it a try, invite some friends over, and savor the joy of sharing a truly memorable homemade meal.