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A hearty, vegetable-packed Minestrone Soup recipe made with wholesome ingredients and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This easy, homemade soup is loaded with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, offering a healthy and flavorful option for any occasion. Learn how to make this classic Italian-inspired dish with simple instructions and pro tips for the best results. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing ahead for busy days, this nutritious recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Soup Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
¾ cup carrots, diced
2 sticks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons tomato paste
5 cups chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable broth)
1 chicken bouillon cube
15 oz. crushed tomatoes
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Hot Sauce)
1 bay leaf

Vegetables and Beans:

15 oz. can red kidney beans, drained
15 oz. can cannellini beans, drained
1 ½ cups zucchini, diced (about 8 oz.)
1 cup green beans, fresh or frozen

Pasta:

¾ cup ditalini pasta (see notes)

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon each: dried parsley, oregano, basil, mustard powder
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve:

Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a large (4.5-quart) soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add Aromatics:
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Build the Broth:
- Add the chicken broth, bouillon cube, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Add Vegetables and Beans:
- Stir in the red kidney beans, cannellini beans, zucchini, and green beans.
- Allow the soup to simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add ½ tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
- Cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assemble and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- To serve, place a portion of pasta in each bowl and ladle the soup over the top. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Nutritious: A wholesome and hearty soup packed with fresh vegetables and beans.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
One-Pot Wonder: Simple to prepare with minimal cleanup required.

Tips

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta separately to ensure it stays al dente and doesn’t absorb too much broth.
Fresh is Best: Use fresh vegetables whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by modifying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
Storage: Store soup and pasta separately to maintain texture. Combine just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground turkey for extra protein.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce (or use a vegetarian alternative).
Grain Substitute: Swap ditalini pasta for quinoa, barley, or rice for a different texture.
Seasonal Veggies: Add other seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.

FAQs

Can I freeze this soup? Yes, freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

What can I use instead of ditalini pasta? Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells work well.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, combine all ingredients except pasta in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook pasta separately and add before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serve with a simple side salad to add freshness.
Top with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.