Italian Minestrone Soup with Parmesan

Italian Minestrone Soup with Parmesan is a hearty, comforting dish packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, simmered in a flavorful broth. This classic Italian soup is both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for any time of the year. Topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, each bowl is full of rich, comforting flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling – Packed with fiber-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and pasta, this soup is both healthy and satisfying.
• One-Pot Meal – Everything is cooked in a single pot, making cleanup easy.
• Customizable – Swap out vegetables, beans, or pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Great for Meal Prep – Minestrone tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
• Authentic Italian Flavors – The combination of fresh vegetables, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan gives this soup a classic taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
• ½ cup small pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil and grated Parmesan for garnish

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: 210 kcal

Variations

• Protein Boost – Add cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or pancetta for extra flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Version – Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or rice.
• Different Beans – Replace cannellini beans with kidney beans, chickpeas, or black beans.
• More Vegetables – Add spinach, kale, bell peppers, or green beans for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Minestrone – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes in place of canned diced tomatoes.

What type of pasta works best for minestrone?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work best.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

If storing leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each serving when reheating.

Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes add extra heartiness. Just cook them with the other vegetables.

What’s the best way to thicken minestrone?

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or simmer longer to reduce the broth.

How do I add more flavor to my minestrone?

Try adding a Parmesan rind while simmering or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, but it will change the flavor slightly. Use vegetable broth for a true vegetarian version.

What other herbs can I use in minestrone?

Basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary all complement this soup well.

How can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients except pasta to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Italian Minestrone Soup with Parmesan is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a go-to soup recipe. Try different variations, store it for later, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade minestrone anytime!