Classic Italian Minestrone Soup with Pasta
Imagine a chilly evening, the kind where the air is crisp and your cheeks are rosy from the cold. You step inside your home, and the moment you close the door, you’re enveloped by an aromatic hug. The delightful scent of simmering vegetables and herbs wafts from the kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. This is the magical moment when you’re greeted by a pot of Classic Italian Minestrone Soup with Pasta. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of warmth, comfort, and togetherness—perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe shines not just for its delightful flavors but also for the stories it tells. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Cozy Comfort: The blend of fresh vegetables and hearty pasta creates a dish that warms your soul.
- Quick Prep: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can dive into a simple dinner that feels like a gourmet meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty soup is perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use what’s in season or clean out your fridge—minds and palates will be pleased no matter what!
- Nutrient-Packed: With a rainbow of veggies and beans, this easy meal is a powerhouse of nutrients and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delectable soup, gather the following ingredients:
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing, adds a rich, fruity flavor.
- Onion (1 large, diced): The aromatic base of your soup, bringing depth to every spoonful.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): Sweet and colorful, they add a lovely crunch.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): A subtle pepperiness that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing like the aromatic, savory note it brings as it sizzles.
- Zucchini (1 medium, diced): Tender and mild, a perfect addition for texture.
- Green Beans (1 cup, chopped): Crisp and fresh, providing a crunchy contrast.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): For tang and a touch of acidity that balances the flavors.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups): The soul of the soup; choose low-sodium for better control over flavors.
- Pasta (1 cup, small shapes like ditalini or elbows): A beloved component that makes it hearty.
- Cannellini Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Add protein and creaminess.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): The aromatic blend of flavors that transports you straight to Italy.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing every note of this comforting recipe.
Substitution Note: You can swap out the pasta for gluten-free options or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter touch.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
This means it’s an easy, comforting recipe that is both quick to put together and well worth the wait as the flavors develop.
How to Make Classic Italian Minestrone Soup with Pasta
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Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, warm your olive oil over medium heat. As it shimmers, it’s ready for the next step.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Picture your kitchen filled with a delightful aroma.
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Garlic, Please!: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it’s golden brown and fragrant.
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Add the Veggies: Stir in the zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 5 minutes to let their colors bloom.
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Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Add the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
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Toss in the Seasonings: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, adjusting to your taste as you go.
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Pasta Time: Once the broth is bubbling, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. As the pasta cooks, it will soak up the flavors, making each bite delicious.
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Final Touches: Stir in the cannellini beans and allow them to heat through for about 3 minutes.
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Taste and Serve: Dive in and adjust the seasonings as needed before ladling out into warm bowls.
Tips and Creative Variations
- Add a Kick: Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Festive Cooking: Make it festive by adding diced pancetta or sausage for a savory twist.
Serving Ideas
This delightful soup deserves an equally joyful dining experience. Pair it with a warm, crusty baguette to soak up every last drop, and perhaps a vibrant green salad on the side. Pour glasses of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon, elevating the entire meal. Picture everyone gathered around the table, sharing laughter and stories over bowls of this heartfelt classic, nurturing connections and memories.
Storing and Reheating
Minestrone soup stores beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it thickens up too much—the soup should be lovingly spoonable!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chop Evenly: Cut your veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Build Layers: Start with the aromatics; they form the fundamental flavor base.
- Tweak as You Go: Taste as you season—it’s the secret to developing deeper flavors.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for easy, comforting meals later.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add it towards the end so it retains a slight bite!
FAQs
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Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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What’s a good substitute for pasta in this recipe? Quinoa or rice are excellent alternatives that add unique textures.
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How can I make this soup vegetarian? Simply ensure your broth is vegetable-based and it’s perfect for a meatless meal!
Conclusion
As you gather your loved ones around the table and serve this Classic Italian Minestrone Soup with Pasta, you will not only fill their bellies but also nourish their hearts. This soup is a reminder of the joy found in simple meals and beautiful moments, perfect for any occasion. So, don your apron and turn on that stove; this is a comforting dish worth sharing and cherishing. Bon Appétit!
Contents
Classic Italian Minestrone Soup with Pasta
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing, adds a rich, fruity flavor.
- 1 large Onion, diced The aromatic base of your soup, bringing depth to every spoonful.
- 2 medium Carrots, diced Sweet and colorful, they add a lovely crunch.
- 2 stalks Celery, diced A subtle pepperiness that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Adds an aromatic, savory note.
- 1 medium Zucchini, diced Tender and mild, perfect for texture.
- 1 cup Green Beans, chopped Crisp and fresh, providing a crunchy contrast.
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz) For tang and a touch of acidity.
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth Choose low-sodium for better control over flavors.
- 1 cup Pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbows) A beloved component that makes it hearty.
- 1 can Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed Adds protein and creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning The aromatic blend of flavors.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) Essential for enhancing flavors.
Optional Ingredients
- Red pepper flakes For a spicy kick.
- Fresh basil or parsley For garnish.
- Diced pancetta or sausage For a savory twist.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Cooking
- Stir in zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- Stir in cannellini beans and heat through for about 3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.