Classic Minestrone Soup
A hearty vegetable and bean soup with pasta and fresh herbs, ideal for chilly days. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, diced carrots, stalks, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (15 oz), drained cannellini beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1, diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup small pasta shapes
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained cannellini beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 diced zucchini, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup small pasta shapes and 2 cups fresh spinach. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the spinach has wilted completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Minestrone Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Classic 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic 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 Classic 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.
What goes well with Classic Minestrone Soup?
Italian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for a potluck and it was a hit! The beans and vegetables cooked perfectly.
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and perfect for a chilly evening. My family asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
This soup brought back memories of my grandmother's kitchen. The fresh basil and tomatoes made it so vibrant!