Best 8 Classic Minestrone Soup Recipes

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Minestrone soup is a classic Italian soup that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It is typically made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, and can be customized to your liking. This article provides three delicious recipes for minestrone soup: a classic version, a vegetarian version, and a slow cooker version.

The classic minestrone soup recipe includes a combination of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Beans like cannellini beans and kidney beans add protein and texture to the soup. Small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni are also commonly used. The soup is seasoned with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, and a touch of Parmesan cheese adds a finishing touch.

The vegetarian minestrone soup recipe follows the same principles as the classic recipe but omits the meat. Instead, it uses a combination of vegetables, beans, and lentils to create a flavorful and protein-packed soup.

Lastly, the slow cooker minestrone soup recipe is a convenient option for busy individuals. All the ingredients are simply thrown into the slow cooker and cooked on low for several hours. The result is a hearty and delicious soup that is perfect for a comforting meal.

No matter which recipe you choose, minestrone soup is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC MINESTRONE



Classic Minestrone image

This beloved Italian soup isn't just hearty and healthy -- it's really flexible. Minestrone typically includes lots of leafy greens, other veggies, and beans. Which to choose? You're only limited by the contents of your refrigerator and pantry.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving (optional)
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 large celery stalk, diced
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, or 1/4 teaspoon dried
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 can (14.5 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1/4 head Savoy or green cabbage (1/2 pound), cored and thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, plus torn leaves for serving (optional)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan, for serving

Steps:

  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion, carrots, celery, red-pepper flakes, rosemary, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to turn golden, 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes; cook until some of the liquid evaporates, 1 minute. Add potato, cabbage, cannellini beans, and 7 cups water; bring to a boil. Stir in green beans.
  • Reduce to a simmer, and cook until all the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; stir in garlic, if using, and basil. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan and, if using, torn basil. Drizzle with more oil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 g, Fat 8 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 8 g

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic Minestrone Soup image

Warm up with this vegetarian minestrone soup! This classic minestrone soup recipe is healthy, easy to make, and tastes incredible. It's vegan, too, if you don't top it with cheese. Recipe yields 6 bowls or 8 cups of soup.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Soup

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 medium ribs celery, chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, butternut squash, green beans or peas all work)
4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their liquid (or 2 small 15-ounce cans)
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 bay leaves
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole grain orecchiette, elbow or small shell pasta
1 can (15 ounces) Great Northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans
2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing (optional)

Steps:

  • Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, tomato paste and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are turning translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the seasonal vegetables, garlic, oregano and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juices, broth and water. Add the salt, bay leaves and red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
  • Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot with the lid, leaving about a 1" gap for steam to escape. Reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and add the pasta, beans and greens. Continue simmering, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the the pasta is cooked al dente and the greens are tender.
  • Remove the pot from the heat, then remove the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and season with more salt (I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon more) and pepper until the flavors really sing. Garnish bowls of soup with grated Parmesan, if you'd like.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 bowl (made with potatoes and no Parmesan), Calories 298 calories, Sugar 9.7 g, Sodium 924.2 mg, Fat 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 45.6 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 9.8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic Minestrone Soup image

Minestrone soup is an Italian favorite! This version is made with cannellini beans, chicken stock, cabbage, potato, zucchini, carrots, plum tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

Provided by Elise Bauer

Categories     Lunch     Soup     1-Pot     Comfort Food     Freezer-friendly     Italian     Minestrone     Soup

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped carrot
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme or a teaspoon of dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1 Yukon gold potato, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
2 cups sliced savoy or curly cabbage
1 zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
2 medium fresh ripe tomatoes (romas if available), cored, peeled, chopped
6 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian version)
1 15-ounce can cannellini or great northern white beans, drained (about 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Parmesan cheese, grated for garnish

Steps:

  • Sauté the vegetables: Heat oil in a 4- to 5-quart thick-bottomed pot on medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a minute more. Add the bay leaf, thyme, fennel seeds. Add the potato, cabbage, zucchini, and tomatoes. Add the chicken stock.
  • Simmer the soup: Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
  • Finish the soup: Add the beans and parsley to the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385 kcal, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fiber 9 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 1078 mg, Sugar 10 g, Fat 14 g, ServingSize Serves 6, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic Minestrone Soup image

Minestrone is a hearty, traditional Italian soup typically made with beans, pasta and lots of vegetables. Enjoy the slow-cooked flavor in just about 30 minutes.

Provided by College Inn® Broths and Stocks

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     College Inn® Broths and Stocks

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
¾ cup diced carrot
¾ cup sliced celery
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 (15 ounce) can Contadina® Tomato Sauce
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups College Inn® Chicken Broth
1 cup diced zucchini
½ cup dry ditalini pasta
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon Shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook onion, carrot, celery, garlic and rosemary until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, beans and 2 1/2 cups water. Add broth, zucchini, pasta and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and additional parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 235.3 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Cholesterol 0.3 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 1220.5 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

CLASSIC MINESTRONE



Classic Minestrone image

This famous Italian soup has been much imitated around the world with very different results. The homemade version is a delicious revelation and is also extremely healthy, as it has pasta, beans and fresh vegetables. Try to make the minestrone a day early and refrigerate as this improves the flavors. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Provided by Anonymous

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Minestrone

Time 1h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 leek, sliced
2 carrots, chopped
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
4 ounces green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 ½ quarts vegetable stock
1 pound chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, with liquid
¼ cup elbow macaroni
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, over medium heat. Add leek, carrots, zucchini, green beans and celery. Cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
  • Stir in the stock, tomatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then replace the lid, and reduce heat to low; simmer gently for 30 minutes.
  • Stir in the cannellini beans with liquid and pasta. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Carbohydrate 44.5 g, Fat 12 g, Fiber 10.1 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 470.9 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

CLASSIC MINESTRONE



Classic Minestrone image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup great northern beans, soaked
1 bay leaf
Sprig of thyme
4 cups beef stock
Rind of a piece of Parmesan cheese-optional
2 cups Italian canned tomatoes and their juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups diced potatoes
2 cups zucchini, diced
2 cups shredded savoy cabbage
1 cup small pasta shells
Pesto, for serving

Steps:

  • In a casserole heat the olive oil. Add the onions and cook until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the carrots and celery and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the beans, bay leaf and thyme and toss for 1 minute. Then add the beef stock, Parmesan rind (if using), plum tomatoes and their juice, and salt and pepper to taste. (Careful with the amount of salt since Parmesan rind will add a salty flavor.) Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Add the potatoes, zucchini and savoy cabbage and cook for 20 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender. Finally, add your pasta and cook, covered, for about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, ladle into bowls and serve with some pesto.

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic Minestrone Soup image

This full flavored Italian soup is incredibly tasty and healthy! This is one of the best dishes to make to wrap up summer because of all the fresh vegetables available! VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY6pDeS9hbc

Provided by CLUBFOODY

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h25m

Yield 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 26

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups white onions, chopped (substitute red onion)
2 cups celery, chopped
2 cups red peppers, seeded, ribs removed and chopped
4 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
4 large garlic cloves, pressed
8 cups broth, preferably half beef and half vegetable
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
2 (12 ounce) cans corn kernels, liquid reserved (substitute 3 ears corn, husks and silks removed)
1 (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
2 cups green beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups baby spinach leaves, washed
2 large zucchini, quartered and sliced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (substitute 1 tsp. dried oregano)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (substitute 2 tsp. dried basil)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (substitute 1 tsp. dried thyme)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (substitute 1 tsp. dried rosemary)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 (19 ounce) can Italian tomatoes, chopped and liquid reserved
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup ditalini, tubetti or 1 cup any small shell pasta, cooked seperately and drained
1 tablespoon grana padano or 1 tablespoon asiago cheese, for garnish
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium- heat, add olive oil and when hot, sauté onion for 4 to 5 minutes. Add celery, red pepper and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes or until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add broth and tomato paste; bring to boil, stirring frequently. If using red wine, add it at this point. Reduce heat to low and add kernels and its liquid, kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves, zucchini, oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes, Italian tomatoes and its liquid, and black pepper. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, the longer the better; add lemon juice and rectified seasoning if needed.
  • Add cooked pasta to minestrone; stir until well combined. Ladle soup into bowls; sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle a little olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Fat 3.7, SaturatedFat 0.6, Cholesterol 0.1, Sodium 294, Carbohydrate 27.2, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 5.6, Protein 6.1

CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP



Classic minestrone soup image

Whip up this classic Italian vegetable soup with a rich tomato base and pasta. It's low in calories and packed with fibre and vitamin C

Provided by Esther Clark

Categories     Lunch, Starter

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 courgette, finely chopped
70g diced smoked pancetta
1 large garlic clove, crushed
½ tsp dried oregano
1 x 400g can cannellini beans
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
1.2 litre vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
70g small pasta
100g greens - kale, chard or cavolo nero work well
handful of basil
finely grated parmesan, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan or casserole pot over a low-medium heat and gently fry the onion, celery, carrot, courgette and pancetta for 10 mins. Add the garlic and oregano, and cook for 1 min. Tip in the beans, chopped tomatoes, purée, stock and bay leaf. Season to taste. Bring to the simmer and cook for 30 mins.
  • Add the pasta and greens, and cook for a further 10 mins. Ladle into bowls and scatter with the basil and some parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 22 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 9 grams protein, Sodium 0.98 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables to create a flavorful and nutritious soup. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, garlic, potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes.
  • If you don't have any fresh vegetables on hand, you can use frozen or canned vegetables instead.
  • To make the soup more hearty, add some beans or lentils.
  • Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. Some good options include basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Conclusion:

Minestrone soup is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

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