Classic Minestrone Soup

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

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.

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