Name: Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery ribs, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ cups chopped green beans; 1 cup diced sweet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks; 1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced; 2 cups lightly packed baby spinach; 2 bay leaves; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes; 2 (14.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 6 to 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

“`html

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out, this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with vibrant veggies, tender beans, and a bright hit of lemon, it’s the perfect combination of cozy and fresh. This soup is not only simple to make but also endlessly satisfying, making it a staple you’ll turn to over and over when you crave something nourishing yet full of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of fresh ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two orange carrots and two green celery stalks placed vertically on the left. Near the center is a white sweet potato, below it a pile of white beans in a white bowl, and next to it a white bowl full of bright red chopped tomatoes. A clear glass measuring cup filled with golden broth sits to the right side. Below, there is a dark green zucchini and a small white onion, along with a garlic bulb. A bunch of green parsley is on the left side, and a white plate holds fresh green beans at the bottom. Scattered around are small white bowls containing salt, black pepper, dried herbs, and yellow olive oil, along with two bay leaves on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this soup is a breeze, thanks to a handful of simple and accessible ingredients that each play an important role. From aromatic vegetables that build depth to greens and beans that add texture and nutrients, every element comes together to make this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe truly shine.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This is your base for sautéing, adding richness and a subtle fruity note.
1 medium yellow onion (diced): Provides a sweet and savory foundation that enhances every other ingredient.
2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced): Contribute natural sweetness and a pleasant bite.
2 celery ribs (sliced): Add a fresh, crisp flavor that balances the soup.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuse aromatic warmth and depth.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings a lovely blend of herbs that evoke classic Italian flavors.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes: Provide juicy acidity and richness that anchors the broth.
2 (14.5-ounce) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed): Add protein and creamy texture.
1 ½ cups chopped green beans: Deliver a fresh snap and vibrant color.
1 cup diced sweet potato (peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks): Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite.
2 bay leaves: Impart subtle herbal fragrance throughout the simmering process.
6 to 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful, comforting base of the soup; adjust quantity based on desired brothy consistency.
1 medium zucchini (quartered and sliced): Adds mild earthiness and tender freshness.
2 cups (lightly packed) baby spinach: Provides a lush pop of green and boosts the nutrition.
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors and adds a fresh zing at the end.
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkles in fresh herbal notes and visual appeal.
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving: Adds a savory, umami finish that’s utterly irresistible.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step is essential for building the soup’s flavor base. Then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and sauté just 30 more seconds to release all those wonderful aromas.

Step 2: Add More Vegetables and Broth

Next, it’s time to bring in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, chopped green beans, sweet potato chunks, and those all-important bay leaves. Pour in 6 to 8 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth depending on how soupy you like your minestrone. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. This slow simmer makes the flavors meld and intensify beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Greens

Now, stir in the quartered and sliced zucchini along with the baby spinach. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the zucchini softens just right and the spinach wilts into the mix. This step adds fresh texture and plenty of vibrant green color, making your Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe wholesome and visually inviting.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley last. This gives the soup a bright, fresh lift that balances the hearty ingredients perfectly. Ladle the minestrone into bowls and consider topping with grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty finish that takes the dish to the next level.

How to Serve Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

A top view of a white pot filled with colorful vegetable soup showing many layers: clear broth base with light orange tint, large chunks of orange carrots, green zucchini pieces, green beans, white beans, diced red tomatoes, and dark green spinach leaves, topped with chopped green herbs, a silver ladle resting in the pot lifting a spoonful of the mix. Surrounding the pot is a white marbled surface with a white striped cloth, a small white bowl with sliced cheese, a whole lemon and a half lemon on a glass plate, and a bowl of fresh chopped green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is classic, but you could also experiment with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few torn basil leaves. A small spoonful of pesto adds a delightful burst of herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with this soup.

Side Dishes

This soup shines alongside crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables also complements the meal nicely, creating a well-rounded, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley resting on top for an inviting look. For a cozy touch, place the soup by a window nook or share it at a casual family gathering where everyone can enjoy it piping hot straight from the pot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover minestrone soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next serving even tastier!

Freezing

If you want to save this soup for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags to preserve its fresh taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in the Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Minestrone is very versatile, so feel free to swap in or add seasonal vegetables like peas, kale, or bell peppers based on what you have on hand or prefer.

Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan friendly?

Yes, this soup is entirely vegetarian and vegan, especially if you skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan version or nutritional yeast.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check your vegetable broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients except greens, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the zucchini and spinach in the last 30 minutes.

What is the best way to adjust the seasoning?

Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference. Adding lemon juice at the end really brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the beans and veggies.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring this Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe as much as I do. It’s a deliciously simple way to bring a little wholesome comfort to your table any day of the week. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite soup to share and savor all year round.

“`

Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need