Beans, fresh veggies, and pasta are simmered in a savory broth and topped with parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate homemade soup, perfect to warm you up on a chilly day!
What is Minestrone Soup?
This Italian classic soup is chock full of veggies, beans, and pasta or rice, slow-cooked in a tomato-based broth. It’s a simple slow cooker meal that never fails to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites!
We like Olive Garden minestrone soup, but we love the flavor of this homemade version. Budget-friendly minestrone soup is perfect for large families and gatherings. Follow the recipe below or use this recipe to enjoy leftover beans, veggies, or pasta. Batch cooking fave! This recipe is perfect for doubling up to enjoy all week or to freeze for future meals!
Ingredients in Minestrone Soup
Vegetables – Homemade Minestrone is all about the veggies! I use onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and spinach. You can add in green beans, zucchini, or kale. If time is short, simply toss in a bag of frozen mixed vegetables! Beans – Fiber-filled beans like red kidneys, garbanzo beans, cannellini beans, or any combination can be used. This recipe uses canned beans, be sure to drain and rinse them before using. Broth – For a purely vegetarian soup, switch out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Rotel tomatoes (tomatoes with green chiles and seasonings) can be used instead of canned tomatoes for a little spicy kick. Pasta – Smaller pasta shapes fit perfectly with the beans and veggies. Try ditalini, shells, small elbow macaroni, or orzo. Variations – Make it meaty and add cooked chicken, ground turkey, Italian sausage, or meatballs. For a thicker soup, blend one cup of the soup in Step 3 and return it to the pot.
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Tips for Storing
Keep leftover Minestrone in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove. Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 8 weeks. Thaw in a pot on low heat until ready to serve. Add fresh pasta, if desired. If you’re planning for leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl individually. This ensures the pasta stays firm! If cooking the pasta separately, be sure to salt the pasta water or cook it in broth for the best flavor.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup – a classic fave Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup – a complete meal in a bowl Turkey Tetrazzini Soup – rich & creamy
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