How to Make the Perfect Italian Minestrone Soup
Italian · Medium · 50 min · 6 servings
This classic Italian minestrone soup is loaded with seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth and is completely vegan. It is a wholesome vegan meal that celebrates simple Italian cooking and is perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Why this recipe works
This Italian Minestrone Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 295 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 medium zucchini diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Base Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add celery and zucchini and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened and beginning to color at the edges.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add Beans and Pasta
Stir in the cannellini beans and dry pasta. Simmer for 12 to 14 minutes until the pasta is cooked to al dente.
Step 4: Finish with Greens
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle into deep bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cannellini beans → borlotti beans or chickpeas for a different texture
- ditalini pasta → small gluten-free pasta or orzo for a gluten-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the pasta too early which causes it to become mushy and overcooked
- Not seasoning the soup adequately which makes the broth taste flat and watery
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 295 calories, 12g protein, 48g carbs, 6g fat, 11g fiber.
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