Stovetop Italian Minestrone with White Beans and Pasta

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

A vibrant and nutritious minestrone soup loaded with seasonal vegetables, tender white beans, and small pasta, cooked quickly on the stovetop. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, carrots, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced yellow onion; sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices and 6 cups vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed cannellini beans and 3/4 cup small pasta shells. Cook uncovered for 8 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup green beans cut into 1-inch pieces and 1 diced medium zucchini. Continue cooking for another 7 minutes until pasta is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Italian Minestrone with White Beans and Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Stovetop Italian Minestrone with White Beans and Pasta?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Italian Minestrone with White Beans and Pasta?

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 Stovetop Italian Minestrone with White Beans and Pasta 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 Stovetop Italian Minestrone with White Beans and Pasta 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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