Best Vegetable Minestrone Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, flavorful soup packed with seasonal vegetables and a rich tomato base that's simply best. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs diced carrots, diced celery, diced zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced celery, then sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly golden, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced zucchini and 4 cups chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can drained cannellini beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup ditalini pasta. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until fragrant and vibrant green.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil, when soup has thickened and vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Vegetable Minestrone Soup take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Vegetable Minestrone Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Vegetable Minestrone Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Vegetable Minestrone Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best Vegetable Minestrone Soup vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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