Italian Minestrone Soup
A hearty and flavorful Italian minestrone soup packed with vegetables, beans, herbs, and pasta—perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white beans ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery diced ⓘ
- 6 cups basic chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can plum tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp liquid Butter Buds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp oregano ⓘ
- lite salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 3 medium red potatoes diced ⓘ
- 3/4 lb fresh green beans cut diagonally into thirds ⓘ
- 2 carrots diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cooked macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak white beans for 6 hours in 1 quart of water; drain and pour beans with soaking liquid into a stock pot.
- Bring to a boil and add minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced celery.
- Cook for 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender; then add chicken broth, plum tomatoes, liquid Butter Buds, red wine, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; add diced potatoes with jackets, green beans cut diagonally into thirds, and diced carrots.
- Reduce heat to a simmer; cook for 30 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add cooked macaroni and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup and then mixing it back in. If you don't have white beans, cannellini or navy beans work well as substitutes. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste; fresh herbs can enhance the flavor significantly. This minestrone is versatile, so feel free to add any leftover veggies you have on hand. Explore other Italian recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken Italiano(Heart-Healthy Recipe) or any light pasta dish to round out your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Minestrone Soup contains roughly 720 calories, with 29g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2427mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh for this minestrone soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Just add them directly to the pot during the last 20 minutes of cooking. This will ensure they are heated through while retaining some texture. Keep in mind that frozen veggies may cook faster, so monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this minestrone soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the flavor while making it suitable for a vegetarian diet. You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste.
How can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can prepare the minestrone soup a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. The soup tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).