Grandma Hearty Homemade Minestrone Soup with Beans and Pasta

A cozy, old-fashioned vegetable soup packed with tender beans, pasta, tomatoes, and wholesome vegetables. It’s hearty enough for a full meal and even better the next day.

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Add the zucchini and green beans. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and broth.
6. Add Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
7. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables and beans to become tender.
8. Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually 8–10 minutes, until just tender.
9. Add the chopped spinach during the final 2–3 minutes of cooking. Stir until wilted.
10. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
11. Remove from the heat and stir in fresh parsley.
12. Ladle the hot minestrone into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, including Parmesan:

Calories: 285
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 10 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 720 mg

Nutrition will vary depending on the broth, pasta, beans, Parmesan, and amount of salt used.

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk/dairy from Parmesan cheese.

May contain: Wheat/gluten if regular wheat pasta is used.

For gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free pasta and verify that the broth and canned ingredients are gluten-free.

For dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Recipe Tips & Q/S

Q: Can I use different beans?
A: Yes. Great Northern beans, navy beans, chickpeas, or a mixture of your favorite beans can be used.

Q: Can I add meat?
A: Yes. Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, shredded chicken, or diced ham can turn it into an even heartier soup.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes. Use about 2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes, although canned tomatoes provide a deeper flavor and more consistent results.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. The flavors become even better after sitting overnight. However, the pasta will continue absorbing liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze minestrone soup?
A: Yes, but for the best texture, freeze the soup before adding the pasta. Cook fresh pasta separately and add it when reheating.

Q: How do I make it thicker?
A: Simmer uncovered for several extra minutes, or mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back into the soup.

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Add everything except the pasta, spinach, and Parmesan and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add the pasta during the final 20–30 minutes and spinach during the final few minutes.

Q: What can I serve with minestrone soup?
A: Crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, a simple green salad, or toasted Parmesan bread are excellent choices.