There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl brimming with fresh veggies, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth. This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe hits that spot perfectly—whether you’re winding down after a long day or need a cozy meal on a chilly evening.

A white bowl with a blue scalloped edge holds a soup made of three main layers: the base layer is a clear red tomato broth, the middle layer is filled with small curved elbow macaroni pasta and white beans, and the top layer is a mix of dark green leafy kale pieces and bright green beans and carrots. On top, there are three thin slices of pale yellow cheese and several fresh bright green basil leaves scattered around. The bowl is placed on a brown wooden table with green basil leaves artfully scattered nearby, along with part of a white bowl with more soup and a black pot with a beige woven cover. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe more times than I can count, and honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something nourishing that doesn’t feel like a chore to prepare. It’s loaded with wholesome goodness but simple enough to pull together on a weeknight.

Fully loaded flavor: The combination of fresh veggies, garlic, and herbs makes every spoonful deliciously vibrant.
Hearty and filling: With pasta and cannellini beans, this soup keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Vegetarian and flexible: Perfect for meatless meals and easy to customize to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup is a classic blend of veggies, legumes, and pasta that all play perfectly together. Each ingredient adds texture and nutrients, making it hearty enough for dinner but fresh enough for lunch any day. Grab quality canned tomatoes and broth for that deep flavor—it really makes the difference.

Flat lay of a small glass bowl of golden olive oil, one medium yellow onion diced into small pieces, two large peeled carrots sliced into rounds, two celery ribs finely sliced, two peeled garlic cloves minced, a small heap of chopped green beans, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes, a small white bowl with clear vegetable broth, a small white bowl of creamy white cannellini beans, a pile of roughly chopped deep green kale, a small white bowl filled with uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a small mound of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, a few fresh basil leaves, and a small white bowl of pale yellow shaved parmesan cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: This is the base flavor carrier; use extra virgin for the best aroma.
Yellow onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth when softened slowly.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the savory broth.
Celery: Brings a subtle crunch and classic “soup” flavor.
Garlic: Essential for that punch of warmth and personality.
Green beans: Providing fresh, vibrant bites to balance the softness.
Canned diced tomatoes: Their acidity brightens and enriches the broth.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together.
Cannellini beans: Creamy protein that adds satisfying body to the soup.
Kale: Earthy greens that wilt just right and boost nutrition.
Small pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini): Perfect for bite-sized, comforting spoonfuls.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
Fresh basil: Herbaceous garnish that brightens the final dish.
Shaved parmesan: Adds a salty, cheesy touch that pulls it all together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe is how forgiving and adaptable it is. You can swap veggies, try different beans, or adjust the pasta to whatever you have. It’s all about what makes you happy in your bowl!

Variation: Once, I added some diced zucchini and swapped kale for spinach when that’s what was on hand—it was just as delicious and lovely for spring.
Diet-friendly: Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether and add extra beans.
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat that livens everything up.
Heartier touch: Stir in cooked sausage or shredded chicken if you want more protein and a meaty boost.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

A black pan filled with a thick tomato broth soup that has three main layers visible: the bright red liquid base, mixed with small beige elbow pasta pieces scattered throughout, bright orange carrot slices shaped like small rounds, and dark green curly kale leaves that float on top. Small green beans pieces and light green celery bits are also mixed in, adding texture and color contrast. The pan rests on a dark wooden surface with some fresh green basil leaves placed nearby and a light purple cloth partially visible on the lower right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base

Start by warming olive oil over low heat in a large pot—patience here is key so the veggies soften without browning. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery, and let them cook gently for about 10 minutes until everything is tender and sweet. This slow sauté builds the soul of the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Green Beans

Next, toss in the minced garlic and chopped green beans. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing—this is when the flavors really start to mingle.

Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth, Simmer

Now it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Bring everything up to a simmer and let it bubble gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer softens all the veggies and creates that luscious base you're after.

Step 4: Add Beans, Greens, and Pasta

Add your rinsed cannellini beans, roughly chopped kale, and small pasta to the pot. Stir it all up so nothing sticks to the bottom and simmer another 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of shaved parmesan. The cheese melts just a bit and adds that perfect finishing touch—trust me, it’s worth it.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things over the years that really help this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe shine, so here are my go-to tips to make sure yours turns out great every time.

Low and Slow Sauté: Don’t rush softening your onions and carrots; slow sautéing develops natural sweetness and depth.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Add the pasta later in the process and keep an eye on it— mushy pasta can make the soup heavy.
Fresh Herbs Finish: Adding basil at the end brightens flavors and keeps it fresh, not wilted.
Season Gradually: Season at the end but taste a few times as you cook, that way you avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Vegetable Minestrone - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my bowl with fresh basil leaves and lots of shaved parmesan because it adds a pop of color and that irresistible umami kick. Sometimes, I like a drizzle of good olive oil or even a sprinkle of chili flakes if I’m craving a little heat.

Side Dishes

Crusty artisan bread or a slice of garlic toast pairs beautifully with this soup. I’ve also served it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light but complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or clear glass mugs so the colorful layers shine through. Garnishing with a sprig of fresh herb or a dollop of ricotta adds a lovely homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup taste even better the next day. Just be sure to keep the pasta submerged in broth to avoid it drying out.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I recommend freezing before adding the pasta—when reheating, cook fresh pasta separately and add it in for the best texture. I learned this the hard way after finding frozen pasta turned mushy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. Stir in fresh basil and cheese right before serving to keep those fresh flavors vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the parmesan garnish or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining amazing flavor.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells are ideal as they hold up well and won’t overpower the other ingredients.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?

You can simmer it longer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or mash some of the beans gently to add creaminess and body to the soup.

Can I prep this soup in advance?

Yes! Prep the base and store it in the fridge, then add the pasta and finish cooking when you’re ready to serve. This saves time and keeps the pasta texture perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen and my heart. It’s such a simple, soulful dish that always feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re new to making soup or a seasoned pro, give this one a try—it’s worth every delicious spoonful, and I bet you’ll make it again and again.