Name: Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 zucchini, diced; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, macaroni, or shells); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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If you are craving a soul-warming, vibrant dish that celebrates the freshest vegetables and tender pasta, then this Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic Italian-inspired soup brings together a rich tomato broth, hearty beans, and a rainbow of garden vegetables, making every spoonful a comforting and nourishing experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is versatile, wholesome, and simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many ingredients arranged neatly on a dark wooden surface. Starting from the top left, there is a wooden pepper mill, a yellow lemon, and fresh curly kale leaves in green. Below these, there is a clear glass bowl full of pale chickpeas next to a wooden bowl filled with dry pasta shells in light yellow. To the right of the chickpeas, there is a clear glass bowl of diced green onions, and next to it is a smaller bowl of red tomato paste. Below these, a bowl contains yellow squash pieces and another bowl is filled with chopped celery in light green. At the bottom, a bowl of chopped green beans and a larger bowl of bright red diced tomatoes are visible. Small clear glass bowls hold olive oil, salt, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. A clear measuring cup contains an orange liquid. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—olive oil for richness, fresh vegetables for color and texture, beans for protein, and savory herbs to bring everything to life. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a flavorful and satisfying soup.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky base with a hint of fruitiness that carries the flavors beautifully.
1 medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth once sautéed.
2 carrots, chopped: Bring a subtle natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a crisp, aromatic punch with every bite.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and robust flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the whole dish.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds an herbal freshness.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick without overpowering.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the hearty and tangy base of the soup.
6 cups vegetable broth: Provides the liquid foundation infused with savory notes.
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creamy texture and plant-based protein.
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Offers mild flavor and smoothness.
1 cup green beans, chopped: Brings crunch and freshness.
1 zucchini, diced: Adds tender, subtle sweetness and color.
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, macaroni, or shells): Provides hearty, comforting bites in every spoonful.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance all flavors.
2 cups fresh spinach or kale: Offers vibrant color and a nutritional boost.
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): Adds a savory, nutty finishing touch.

How to Make Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery, cooking gently until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step creates a flavorful foundation and softens the vegetables, ensuring they meld beautifully into the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for just 30 seconds so the garlic doesn’t turn bitter but releases its aromatic essence. This quick step infuses the soup with irresistible Italian flavors that will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Step 3: Build the Broth and Add Vegetables

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Then, add the drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, chopped green beans, and diced zucchini. Bring this vibrant mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer. This combination of ingredients allows the flavors to marry and the vegetables to tenderize, making the broth wonderfully rich and hearty after about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Finish with Greens

Add the small pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Near the end, stir in the fresh spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt gently into the soup, adding a pop of color and a punch of nutrients. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to perfect the balance of flavors.

How to Serve Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe

Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

When serving your Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe, don’t hold back on garnishes—they make a huge difference. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds brightness and freshness. If you’re a cheese lover, a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the savory depth and adds lovely creaminess.

Side Dishes

This rich soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the warm, hearty soup with a refreshing crunch, perfectly balancing the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve in individual bread bowls to make it feel festive and rustic. Alternatively, offer bowls of crispy roasted chickpeas or chili oil on the side for guests to customize their bowls with a little extra texture or heat. This thoughtful presentation makes your Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain the best texture, it’s a good idea to store the pasta separately if you anticipate leftovers. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft and mushy once cooled.

Freezing

Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe freezes exceptionally well—just be sure to omit the pasta when freezing. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, so you have ready-to-go comforting meals anytime you need them.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop. Add the cooked pasta after warming the broth or reheat the pasta separately and combine. Stir in fresh greens if desired to brighten it up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, macaroni, shells, or even small elbow macaroni work best because they cook quickly and complement the chunky veggies. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

How can I make this soup vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by skipping the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based alternative. The beans and veggies provide plenty of protein and flavor on their own.

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! Seasonal veggies like bell peppers, peas, or even sweet potatoes work wonderfully. Just keep in mind cooking times so everything stays perfectly tender.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe is fantastic for meal prep, especially if you cook and store the pasta separately. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight.

Do I have to use canned beans or can I cook my own?

You can definitely use cooked beans you prepare yourself. Homemade beans add a bit more texture and freshness. Just be sure to add them when the tomatoes and broth have simmered to let the flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of homemade soup that brings comfort and joy like nothing else. I hope this Vegetable Pasta Minestrone Recipe inspires you to fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and your table with fresh, hearty flavors. It’s perfect for any day when you want a wholesome, delicious meal that’s easy to love and share. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to soup!