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This hearty minestrone soup recipe is a comforting tomato broth soup loaded with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta. Feed your army on a budget with this delicious soup inspired by the famous Olive Garden minestrone!
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What is minestrone?
Minestrone is an Italian vegetable and pasta soup with beans and a tomato base. It's so hearty and filling that it's often enjoyed as an entree. This classic vegetable minestrone recipe is a staple in our healthy meal rotation.
It's so easy to make a minestrone using a pressure cooker or stove, and I have included instructions for both methods. This soup is as hearty and comforting as white bean kale soup but with a slightly thicker tomato base.
If you like bread, nothing beats the comfort of dunking French bread or homemade crostini into this vegetable pasta soup. Or top it with homemade croutons and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredient notes
Get the full printable recipe below.
- Olive oil - or preferred oil
- Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic - These classic aromatics are budget-friendly, always available, and add volume to your minestrone soup.
- Zucchini - An essential minestrone ingredient that's available any season of the year.
- Beans - I used white and red kidney beans. Use any variety you prefer.
- Pasta - I use thicker pasta for the Instant Pot and thinner pasta for the stove method (see the section below for details).
- Canned tomatoes - I prefer crushed tomatoes, but you can use any variety of plain or Italian-seasoned canned tomatoes.
- Vegetable broth - Or chicken broth.
- Italian seasoning - Use store-bought or make your own.
- Oregano - This is always welcome in an Italian minestrone recipe.
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh spinach - This can be substituted with finely chopped kale, if desired.
- Optional garnish ingredients - Toppings like fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or croutons make this soup even more flavorful and exciting.
Difference between vegetable minestrone and vegetable soup
Minestrone is a vegetable soup made with a hearty tomato broth, pasta noodles, and beans, adding volume, texture, and nutrients. As a result, it's often enjoyed as a main course. A classic vegetable soup is a broth-based soup made with any combination of vegetables but doesn't traditionally include pasta or beans.
The best pasta for this soup
Since the pasta is cooked right in the soup, you'll want to ensure you don't overcook it. A thick shell pasta such as orecchiette or elbow macaroni noodles will hold up nicely in the Instant Pot's enclosed environment. Thin pasta, such as medium shells, will cook a little faster, so be mindful of the cooking time when using the stove method.
How to make minestrone soup
Enjoy these step-by-step instructions. Get the printable instructions in the recipe card below, including pressure cooker instructions.
First, saute the onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beans, tomatoes, pasta, broth, and seasonings.
Stir in tomatoes and bring everything just to a boil. Then, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked.
Now it's time to garnish this scrumptious soup with your favorite toppings. I love the combination of Parmesan cheese, parsley, and croutons. Then serve and devour! You'll love the minimal effort it takes to make a delicious minestrone soup that feeds an army on a budget.
How to season minestrone soup
The most convenient way to season minestrone is to use dried Italian seasoning early in the recipe. A classic blend usually includes marjoram, basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory, and sage. You might already have the five spices needed for a simple Italian seasoning substitute if it's unavailable.
Recipe variations
This minestrone has a ton of flavor and texture on its own. It can be customized with these textures and flavors when serving.
- Other vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans, can be added before simmering this soup.
- Add protein by tossing in shredded whole chicken or leftover air fryer chicken breast during the last few minutes of the cooking cycle.
- Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to kick up the heat. Alternatively, you can serve minestrone with hot sauce or Italian chili oil.
- When serving, squeeze fresh lemon over the soup. This touch of acidity brightens the flavor.
- Serve minestrone with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance flavor.
Can I freeze minestrone soup?
Yes! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Portion and package into freezer-safe containers, then label and freeze for up to 90 days (or more if vacuum sealed). Transfer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before reheating.
Easy soup recipes you'll love
- Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
- Old Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup
- Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo
- Lasagna Soup
- Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Kale Chickpea Soup In A Hurry
📖 Recipe
Minestrone Soup Recipe (Olive Garden inspired)
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Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 ribs Celery, chopped
- 3 medium Carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ pound Zucchini, halved and sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 (15-ounce can) Red Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce can) White Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Pasta, *see recipe footnote
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano, or 2 teaspoons fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
- 6 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 (28-ounce can) Crushed Tomatoes, or other canned tomatoes (don't drain)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (or Kale), or ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
Recommended toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley, croutons, and Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Stove instructions (Pressure cooker instructions in footnotes)
- Heat OLIVE OIL in soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ONION, CELERY, CARROTS, GARLIC, and ZUCCHINI. Sauté a few minutes until tender, stirring as needed.
- Add BEANS, PASTA, SEASONINGS, BROTH, and TOMATOES (with juice) to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Increase heat to HIGH and bring soup just to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until pasta is fully cooked.
- During the last five minutes of cooking, stir in SPINACH.
Serving, storage, and reheat
- Serve warm with optional toppings.
- To store, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 90 days.
- During reheat, use a medium setting for stove or microwave. Add broth as needed if the pasta has soaked up much of the liquid.
Equipment
- 4-quart soup pot or 6-quart pressure cooker
Recipe Notes
- Select "Sauté" on the cooker. Add OLIVE OIL and heat until shimmering.
- Add ONION, CELERY, CARROTS, GARLIC, and ZUCCHINI. Sauté a few minutes until tender, stirring as needed.
- Press "Cancel" on the cooker.
- Stir in BEANS, PASTA, SEASONINGS, BROTH, and TOMATOES (with juice).
- Secure the lid and turn the pressure release valve to "Sealing". Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" on HIGH pressure for 1 minute (yes, only 1 minute).
Note: if you use a thicker pasta like macaroni, penne, bowtie, etc, use a 2-minute pressure cook time. - When the cook cycle completes, use a long utensil to flip the pressure release valve to the "Venting" position for a Quick Pressure Release (QPR). CAUTION: stand away from the pot because the steam shoots out.
- It takes several minutes to release all steam. Wait until the float valve drops before attempting open the lid. Once opened, test the pasta for doneness. If you want it super soft, press "Saute" button and continue cooking until the pasta softens to your liking.
- Stir in the SPINACH and allow it to wilt in the soup.
- Continue with serving instructions above.
Laura says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! We've made it several times and love it. Plus, it's kid and family friendly. 🙂
Traci says
Yayy! So glad your family is enjoying this one. We love minestrone and make it regularly 🙂 Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated!
Marlene Wilkins says
Thankyou Traci for a very nice recipe. M
The Kitchen Girl says
You're so welcome 🙂 Always my pleasure and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Kendall says
I’ve made this twice in 3 weeks. My picky husband and my 7 and 2 year old kids actually love this soup and it’s a sure fire way to get them to eat vegetables. I add a little cayenne pepper to my bowl for a little kick. The rest of my family is happy with it as is. Thank you for such a delicious soup recipe that is a crowd pleaser.
The Kitchen Girl says
Kendall, you're so welcome and yayy! This makes my day, truly 🙂 I'm so glad the family is enjoying it and, I'm with you, gimme heat LOL. Thanks so much for the feedback. Cheers!!
Liz says
This is SOOO GOOD! I used northern beans and so spinach and it’s amazing
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayy! So glad to hear it! Yes, I love Minestrone with northern beans too. Thanks for taking the time to review...much appreciated!
Kim says
It is a gloomy fall day and I have a cold. This soup is so comforting and delicious. I did add Italian sausage because my husband can’t live without his meat. 🙃
The Kitchen Girl says
Lol I have no problem with Italian sausage being added to Minestrone. And thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback. I super appreciate it and glad you both enjoyed!
Hillary says
Hubby said "Feel free to make this anytime!" It's a winner! I added sausage and used macaroni noodles.
The Kitchen Girl says
Glad to hear he loved it and I'm sure your meaty version was delicious. Thanks for commenting!
Arlene Wagner says
I find it difficult to find really tasty and nutritious recipes. I made your minestrone for my husband after his surgery and served warm French bread with garlic butter and parsley and cheese. He went crazy because he loved it so much. It made me so happy that he enjoyed it so much. I overheard him telling two friends on the phone what I made for him. This may seem old fashioned but, it made me smile. PS I used vegetable pasta and it was really wonderful. PPS Garlic bread isn’t weight conscience but, he was feeling badly and it made him so happy. Thank you for the wonderful recipe. More low calorie recipes please.
The Kitchen Girl says
Arlene, this makes my day! I'm with you … I love low calorie soups so I can eat things like French bread and strike a balance 🙂 Also, surgery is a stressful time and I'm so glad my recipe found its way into your home. Thanks for letting me know
Marina says
My husband had surgery yesterday and this is what I chose to make today too! Looking forward to tasting, it's almost done!
The Kitchen Girl says
What a nice choice of soups for post procedure. Hope your husband heals quickly and hope he enjoys the soup. Thanks!
Ellen says
The soup was so delicious we all loved it! Thanks for posting such a wonderful healthy recipe.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Ellen, so glad to be part of your healthy dinner inspiration 🙂 Thanks for letting me know
Jeff says
This Minestrone is going into the rotation! Made it in the Instant Pot last night and the whole house smells amazing. Might even freeze some! Serving it with your French bread is the icing on the cake. Boom!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayyy! I'm glad you love it as much as I do! The French bread with minestrone is ALWAYS a bonus lol.
Ann says
This was delicious! I did use chicken broth and fire roasted tomatoes. I was careful to cook the vegetables in the broth until they were just tender. Do not over cook.
Traci Antonovich says
So glad you enjoyed it, Ann! Yes, this would be great with those substitutions. Thanks so much for the feedback 🙂
Trish Bozeman says
Ooooh a good minestrone soup recipe is a must have! This one sounds perfect with the short spaghetti noodles and zucchini. My toddler would gobble this up so fast. A must try!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Trish! Hope your family loves this one like we do 🙂
Marisa F. Stewart says
Every time I see a soup recipe my mouth starts to water. We love our soup and I was brought up on Minestrone soup. I think it's a bowlful of nutrition and taste. You can always make the recipe in your own way and I love the noodles that you use.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Marisa! Love hearing the feedback...I'm so hooked on Minestrone too 🙂
Annissa says
I love the options you give for customizing this soup! It looks so flavorful. Bone broth is my favorite soup base--so nutritious. I feel like I know so much more about minestrone soup after reading this.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Annissa! So glad to hear it! 🙂
Dana says
Minestrone is one of my most favorite soups. I've only ever had it with pasta shells, but I'm loving these little cut up spaghetti morsels! I've never even seen them before! I could totally go for a huge bowl of this right now.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Dana! Yep, these are a winner every time! 🙂
Annemarie says
What a great way to get a big bowl of veggies any time of year! We love minestrone here and I'm always on the lookout for new versions of the classic to try. And I really like your idea to roast the veggies first and give them another layer of flavor.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Annemarie...always love hearing that! I'm crazy about minestrone and ALL the veggies 🙂
Charity says
I'm still slowly figuring out the Instant Pot. Soups are the one thing I feel 100% comfortable with so I'm looking forward to trying this minestrone. I love that it's packed with veggies because we are trying to eat smarter lately. Thanks!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Charity...we love hearing that 🙂 Hope you enjoy this soup!
Tracy says
Only 30 minutes! And I love those short noodles- my toddler loved them and definitely made her way more excited about the soup vs. a vegetable soup. Now she only wants this minestrone soup! Thanks for a great recipe!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Tracy! That makes my day...so glad to hear it! 🙂
Debra says
Totally soup weather here. Thanks for the tips on how to pull this off on a week night. A great way to sneak in some additional veggies!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Debra! Always love sneaking those veggies in 🙂
Julie Menghini says
That is a beautiful bowl of soup! I like that it includes pasta because my vegetable-resistant crowd will call it a pasta soup instead of a vegetable soup. I'll be making this one on Sunday while another round of snow rolls through. It makes me want to stay home and enjoy the comfort of home!
Traci Antonovich says
Beautifully said, Julie...and thank you! I almost titled it pasta soup LOL, but I went with minestrone 😉 Hope you love this one like we do!
Amanda says
I've had some pretty horrid minestrone's. This is not one of them!! Absolutely delicious!
Didn't have shortcut pasta so just crumbled some long-strand. Only had dried herbs in pantry, so I just let it sit for an hour after turning off the stove. Added leftover oven-baked beans, also from this site. Baked a loaf of damper for dipping. Very hearty and wonderful soup, and much enjoyed.
Thank you! 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Amanda, you just made my day! Thank you soooo much for this feedback. I'm crazy about this soup and I always love it when someone else discovers it...the oven-baked beans too! I'm making those today due to countless cravings 🙂 Cheers!
Gloria says
I have been making homemade soup for weeks now. Here in Canada, we have been getting so much snow this month, soup is the best thing to warm up from all the shovelling. It has been a long time since I made minestrone. I think it will be next on my list.
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Gloria! Hope you love this one! 🙂
Liz says
Minestrone soup is one of my favorites, especially when the weather is cold like this! Thank you for the recipe!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Liz! And you're so very welcome 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
First, let me say that your photo has me salivating -- seriously. I've never used fideo in my minestrone, but I love the quick cooking and just the overall look of it. Where do you find fideo?
Traci Antonovich says
Well thank you, Lisa...this makes my day! I get it at my local grocery store (Safeway), but it's not very common. It's def on Amazon 🙂
Sherri says
Some people drool over decadent desserts, but I have to admit I am totally drooling over these gorgeous veggies! Love how easy this soup is to make and how healthy and delicious it is! A perfect meal to satisfy the whole family!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Sherri! I love those words...thanks for saying so 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
This minestrone soup looks delicious and I wish I had a bowl right now. I love the added dried parsley and oregano.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Kelly! Love hearing that...those herbs add so much flavor 🙂
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
This looks so flavorful and delicious I want to dive right in. I have never put shortcut spaghetti noodles in my minestrone but my kids would love it. Anything with noodles works for them!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Karen! Yep, the short cut noodles gets everyone eating and loving minestrone soup 🙂