Name: Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium onion chopped; 2 sticks celery chopped; 3 medium carrots peeled & sliced; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 small zucchini chopped; 1 cup chopped fresh green beans; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth; 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans drained; 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans drained; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni; Salt & pepper to taste; Fresh basil optional, to taste; Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe. It’s packed with colorful veggies, tender pasta, and hearty beans—all simmered together in a flavorful tomato broth that just hits the spot. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to whenever you want something filling, healthy, and downright delicious.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of fresh veggies, savory broth, and herbs creates a rich, comforting taste that satisfies every time.
Hearty & Nutritious: Beans and pasta give you protein and carbs, making it a complete meal that sticks with you.
Easy to Customize: Whether you’re vegetarian, want to sneak in more veggies, or use different pasta shapes, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Simple Prep and Cooking: You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen—just a pot and the right timing.

Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta, hearty minestrone soup, vegetable and pasta soup, healthy minestrone recipe, comforting tomato soup - A close-up view of a dark bowl filled with a thick soup that has many white beans, slices of orange carrots, and small pieces of green beans mixed in a rich, reddish-brown broth. The soup looks chunky with visible bits of vegetables and herbs throughout, giving it a hearty and comforting appearance. A shiny silver ladle with a long handle rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the soup, with the handle leaning on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has its purpose, blending to create that classic minestrone depth without overwhelming your palate. I always aim for fresh veggies chopped small for even cooking, and cooked just the right amount so everything stays tender but still has a bit of bite.

Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta, hearty minestrone soup, vegetable and pasta soup, healthy minestrone recipe, comforting tomato soup - Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a small pat of pale yellow butter on a white plate, one medium yellow onion quartered, two bright green celery sticks trimmed, three peeled and sliced vibrant orange carrots arranged neatly, three cloves of fresh white garlic, a small white bowl filled with deep red crushed tomatoes, another white bowl with clear golden chicken broth, one small green zucchini diced, a handful of fresh green beans cut, a small white bowl holding dark red kidney beans, a separate white bowl with creamy white cannellini beans, a scattering of dried Italian herb leaves, three quarters cup of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a few coarse grains of sea salt and cracked black peppercorns in a small white bowl, sprigs of fresh bright green basil, and a small heap of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese all positioned with perfect symmetry and natural proportions, placed 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: A good quality oil gives your soup base a lovely, mild fruity flavor while sautéing the veggies.
Butter: Adds a silky richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion forms the backbone of flavor in this soup.
Celery: For a subtle savory crunch that deepens the vegetable base.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Garlic: Because, well, garlic makes almost everything better in the kitchen.
Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the broth, their brightness and acidity make every spoonful lively.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Choose broth based on your preference for depth and to keep it vegetarian or not.
Zucchini: Adds tender, fresh flavor and keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
Green beans: For a slightly crisp texture contrast.
Red kidney beans & cannellini beans: These boost protein and make the soup substantively filling.
Italian seasoning: Blends all the herbs you love for that classic Italian vibe without extra effort.
Elbow macaroni: Holds onto the sauce well and offers the perfect pasta texture.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and round out every ingredient.
Fresh basil: A lovely herbaceous pop you sprinkle in at the end.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness when you’re ready to serve.

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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

This Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe is incredibly forgiving and versatile—something I truly appreciate on busy weeknights. I love swapping beans or using whatever vegetables are fresh in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Vegetarian or Vegan Variation: I often swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the butter, using all olive oil instead—equally delicious and plant-based.
Gluten-Free Version: Try gluten-free pasta or even quinoa in place of elbow macaroni for those who can’t have gluten.
Seasonal Veggies: This soup is super flexible—I add spinach, peas, or even corn when they’re in season, which keeps the flavors fresh and exciting.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning to warm things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics Just Right

Start by heating olive oil and butter together in your soup pot over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and let these simmer for about 7-10 minutes until they’re soft and you can smell their sweet, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. This caramelization is essential to building those deep flavors. Watch the garlic though—it can burn quickly and turn bitter.

Step 2: Building the Broth and Adding Veggies

Next, stir in your crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, and both cans of drained kidney beans. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then crank the heat to high so the soup comes to a boil. This step wakes up all those flavors. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover loosely with the lid, and let it cook for 10 minutes. This allows the tougher veggies to soften without turning mushy.

Step 3: Pasta Time and Final Simmer

Now, add your uncooked elbow macaroni straight into the pot. I leave the lid off while simmering for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. This way, the pasta cooks perfectly in the broth and soaks up all that wonderful tomatoey goodness. Once the pasta and veggies are tender to your liking, season generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using fresh basil, stir it in now—the aroma is unbeatable right before serving.

Step 4: Serve It Up with a Parmesan Hug

Ladle your minestrone into bowls and shower each serving with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty kick completes the soup perfectly. If you find your soup is a bit thick, especially leftovers, just add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. It’s all about that perfect sip.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Chop Veggies Small: I learned chopping veggies smaller makes sure they cook evenly within the listed times without turning to mush.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Stir frequently and keep an eye on the pasta’s texture to prevent it from getting sloppy.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; it makes a big difference after all that simmering.
Freeze Pasta Separately: To avoid mushy leftovers, cook pasta on the side if freezing, then add it freshly when reheating.

How to Serve Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of torn fresh basil leaves. It adds brightness and creaminess that feels like the finishing touch. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few crunchy croutons for texture.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with some crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad makes it a perfect meal. I especially enjoy serving it with a slice of toasted sourdough to soak up every bit of broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on dinner parties, I’ve served this minestrone in mini bread bowls or rustic terracotta bowls to bring out a cozy, rustic vibe. You can also top with a swirl of pesto or dollops of ricotta for an upscale feel that will impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover minestrone in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Since the pasta absorbs broth over time, the soup thickens—so give it a good stir and add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to life.

Freezing

When freezing, I recommend leaving the pasta out and adding fresh-cooked pasta when you thaw and reheat. This keeps the texture perfect and prevents the pasta from turning mushy or clumping together.

Reheating

Reheat minestrone gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a bit of extra broth or water added. Stir often until warmed through. This slow reheating keeps the veggies tender and the flavors rich.

FAQs

Can I make this Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based spread to keep it fully vegetarian.
What’s the best pasta to use in this minestrone soup?

I like elbow macaroni for its size and shape that holds broth nicely, but small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or orzo work equally well. Choose whatever you have on hand for the best convenience.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Just wait to add the pasta if you plan to store or freeze leftovers, so it doesn’t get mushy.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir the soup occasionally after adding the pasta to prevent it from clumping and sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cooking the pasta separately for freezing also helps avoid this issue with leftovers.
Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Minestrone soup is all about flexibility. Feel free to add spinach, peas, corn, or whatever seasonal veggies you love to keep it fresh and exciting.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, especially when I want something nourishing without fuss. It’s simple, flavorful, and feels homemade—perfect for sharing with loved ones on chilly nights. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own favorite comfort food too. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a hearty, veggie-loaded soup that people actually ask for seconds of. Happy cooking!