Easy Minestrone Soup: A Quick and Comforting Weeknight Meal

Easy Minestrone Soup is that cozy bowl of comfort you crave on chilly evenings or when you just need something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy minestrone soup recipe is bursting with fresh veggies, beans, and pasta—all simmered together in a rich, herby broth that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.

The best part? It’s ready in just 45 minutes and uses everyday pantry ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping lunch for the week, this Easy Minestrone Soup makes eating healthy feel simple and satisfying. Plus, it’s a hit with picky eaters (the pasta helps).

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What is Easy Minestrone Soup?

Easy Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian vegetable soup that’s as flexible as it is flavorful. Traditionally made with whatever veggies are in season, beans for protein, and small pasta for heartiness, this dish is a staple in many Italian homes. Think of it as the soup version of a big family hug—warm, nourishing, and full of life.

This version keeps things simple while staying true to its roots. The combination of carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach creates a balanced mix of sweetness and earthiness. Add in tender pasta and creamy cannellini beans, and you’ve got a complete meal in one bowl. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, and you can easily make it vegan by checking your pasta brand and broth choice.

Reasons to Try Easy Minestrone Soup

There’s a reason this Easy Minestrone Soup ends up on repeat in so many kitchens—it’s practical, nutritious, and completely customizable. Busy weeknight? It’s ready in under an hour. Watching your budget? Every ingredient is affordable and pantry-friendly. Trying to eat more vegetables? This soup has you covered from every angle. The best part is how forgiving it is. Missing zucchini? Toss in bell peppers or green beans.

Out of cannellini beans? Use kidney or chickpeas instead. It’s the kind of recipe that adapts to your fridge, not the other way around. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. If you love hearty soups like Potato Leek Soup or Spicy Miso Carrot Soup, this one definitely deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Minestrone Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Instructions to Make Easy Minestrone Soup

If you’ve ever wished for a warm, nourishing meal that feels homemade without spending hours cooking, this Step by Step Easy Minestrone Soup guide is your new best friend. Follow along, and you’ll have a hearty Italian classic ready to serve in under an hour.

Step 1: Sauté the Base for Flavor

Start your Easy Minestrone Soup Step by Step by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery — the holy trinity of soup flavor. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step builds a rich foundation that gives the soup its signature cozy depth. For even more flavor, you can check out how I use this same technique in my Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup — it’s a game-changer for making soups taste slow-cooked in a fraction of the time.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini for Aroma and Texture

Once your veggies have softened, toss in the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Stir for about two minutes until fragrant. You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen starts smelling like a little Italian bistro. This Step by Step Easy Minestrone Soup moment is where the soup really starts to come alive. The garlic adds that irresistible aroma, and the zucchini gives a tender bite that balances out the heartier beans and pasta you’ll add later. If you’re out of zucchini, no worries — chopped green beans or bell peppers make great substitutes (check out my One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup for more flexible veggie ideas).

Step 3: Build the Broth and Add the Core Ingredients

Next, pour in your can of diced tomatoes (with the juice), drained cannellini beans, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot — those little caramelized pieces are gold. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This simmering Step by Step Easy Minestrone Soup stage allows all the flavors to mingle and deepen. If you want to take it up a notch, you can toss in a Parmesan rind while it simmers — a little insider trick I also use in my Potato Leek Soup for extra savory depth.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Cook to Tender Perfection

Once the broth has had a chance to develop flavor, add your small pasta directly into the pot. Stir and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender (al dente). The pasta will soak up some of the broth, giving your Easy Minestrone Soup Step by Step that wonderfully thick, comforting consistency. Keep an eye on it during this stage — overcooked pasta can make the soup too starchy. If you’re planning to store or freeze the soup, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it in later when reheating (more on that in the Storage section). For more quick pasta ideas that make weeknight dinners easy, check out my Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish with Freshness

The final Step by Step Easy Minestrone Soup move is adding your chopped spinach. Stir it in and cook for 2 minutes until wilted and bright green. This last-minute addition keeps the spinach vibrant and tender instead of overcooked. Taste the soup one last time and adjust your seasonings — a pinch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil can make all the difference. You can also add a dash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for a little Italian flair.

Now, ladle your beautiful Easy Minestrone Soup Step by Step into bowls and serve it hot with a side of crusty bread. If you love this kind of wholesome comfort food, you might also enjoy my Greek-Style Lemon Chicken Soup — it’s another simple yet soul-soothing recipe that’s perfect for busy nights.

What to Serve with Easy Minestrone Soup

This soup is plenty satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, pair it with a crisp side salad or some warm crusty bread. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a salty finish, or you can drizzle a touch of olive oil for richness. If you’re feeling fancy, try it alongside Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels or a slice of Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake for a sweet ending.

Key Tips for Making Easy Minestrone Soup

1. Use what you have. Minestrone is meant to be flexible—swap veggies based on what’s in season.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta. It continues to soften as it sits, so keep it al dente for the best texture.
3. Flavor boost. Add a Parmesan rind while simmering or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving for depth.
4. Meal prep friendly. This soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors mingle overnight.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Minestrone Soup

To store leftovers, let your Easy Minestrone Soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for about 2 months. If you’re planning to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating so it doesn’t get too soft. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until steaming. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of traditional pasta.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely—it’ll add a slightly richer flavor.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just sauté the veggies first, then toss everything (except pasta and spinach) into your slow cooker on low for 6 hours. Add the pasta and spinach in the last 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a big pot of Easy Minestrone Soup simmering on the stove. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or unhealthy. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to sneak more veggies into your day, this soup delivers. It’s nourishing, affordable, and endlessly adaptable—a total win. If you loved this, try my Hearty Beef and Barley Soup next for another comforting classic.

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