Name: Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 (15 oz) can kidney or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow); Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 87 reviews

If you’re looking for a warm, hearty dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl, then this Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Brimming with vibrant veggies, tender beans, and little pasta shapes swimming in a savory tomato broth, it brings together all the comforting flavors of traditional Italian cooking. Every spoonful bursts with freshness and wholesome goodness, making it an ideal meal for cozy nights, family dinners, or whenever you want something nourishing and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows various fresh ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a wooden cutting board holding an onion, two garlic cloves, dried herbs, two large bay leaves, and a bunch of fresh green beans. Around the board, there is a white bowl filled with bright orange sliced carrots, a clear glass bowl with celery slices, a larger clear glass bowl filled with light-colored white beans, and a white bowl containing chunky red tomatoes with juice. In the center, a wooden bowl holds small yellow pasta tubes with a small wooden spoon inside. There are small wooden and white dishes with salt, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Fresh green parsley leaves complete the arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe starts with simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special—color, flavor, texture, or richness—that all combine to create a soup that’s bursting with life and taste.

2 tbsp olive oil: A rich base that adds smoothness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
1 medium onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
2 carrots, diced: Adds natural sweetness and lovely crunch as they cook down.
2 celery stalks, diced: Provides fragrant earthiness and a fresh texture.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for an aromatic kick that wakes up the soup.
1 zucchini, diced: Adds moisture and a mild flavor that blends perfectly.
1 cup green beans, chopped: Offers a little snap and vibrant green color.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: The heart of the broth, giving it a bright tomato tang.
6 cups vegetable broth: The comforting liquid that ties all ingredients together.
1 tsp dried oregano: Invokes that classic Italian herbal aroma.
1 tsp dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery note to the flavor profile.
1 (15 oz) can kidney or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts protein and creaminess in the soup.
1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Little morsels that soak up the broth, making the soup feel complete.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring every element together.
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: An optional but delightful cheesy finish that elevates the whole dish.

How to Make Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully add your diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pan, and let them soften for about five to six minutes. This creates a flavorful foundation as the vegetables gently release their sweetness and aromas.

Step 2: Add Garlic and More Veggies

Once the base vegetables have softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds to avoid any bitterness but still release that wonderful garlic fragrance. Toss in the zucchini and green beans next and let them cook for two minutes to start softening without losing their fresh bite.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth into the pot. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil, stirring everything together. Bring this flavorful mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld and deepen beautifully.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Now, add your drained beans and pasta into the pot. Cook them for eight to ten minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape nicely. This step turns the soup into a hearty, filling meal.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Before serving, taste and season with salt and black pepper to suit your preference. This last step ensures every spoonful is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe

The image shows a slow cooker filled with chunky vegetable soup. The soup has a clear reddish broth with visible layers of diced yellow zucchini pieces, orange carrot slices, red kidney beans, small pasta shapes, green leafy spinach, and chopped tomatoes. A metal ladle lifts a portion of the soup, displaying all the colorful ingredients combined with the broth. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled over the top not only add a bright, herbaceous note but also a cheerful splash of green that makes the soup inviting. For an extra touch of indulgence, a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese melts gently into the warm soup, adding a comforting richness.

Side Dishes

Serve this minestrone alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping, transforming your meal into a delightful feast. A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil can also complement the richness of the soup perfectly, balancing the meal with crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls, which soak up every bit of broth as you eat. You can also serve it in individual mugs or mini pots for a cozy, casual presentation that’s perfect for gatherings or easy lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain all those vibrant flavors and fresh textures.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover soup, but it is best to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze it, as pasta tends to get mushy upon thawing. Freeze the soup in portions and reheat with a little extra broth to refresh the texture.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to keep the flavors bright.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe?

Absolutely! One of the best parts of minestrone is its versatility. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like spinach, kale, peas, or bell peppers to keep it fresh and exciting.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Yes! Just omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it completely plant-based without sacrificing taste.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are perfect because they evenly distribute throughout the soup and cook quickly without overpowering the vegetables and beans.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, then add everything else to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add pasta toward the end to avoid it getting mushy.

How can I thicken the soup if it is too thin?

If you want a thicker soup, cook it uncovered toward the end to let some liquid evaporate, or mash a few beans against the pot sides to naturally thicken the broth.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how a simple collection of fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs can come together to create such a comforting and soul-satisfying bowl of soup. The Minestrone Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it, sharing it, and savoring every spoonful as much as I do.