Name: Rustic Minestrone Soup With Beans And Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487081H38M17S
Total time: PT-487081H38M17S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste (optional)

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A nourishing Italian-inspired soup overflowing with vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta in a savory tomato broth—this rustic minestrone is the ultimate comfort in a bowl, perfect for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome And Filling: Packed with colorful veggies, beans, and pasta for a complete meal.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or beans based on the season or your pantry.
Easy And One-Pot: Minimal prep and clean-up, making it great for busy nights.
Comforting And Cozy: A classic soup that’s both heartwarming and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste (optional)

Directions

Prep Vegetables:
Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into small, even pieces.
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Vegetables:
Add carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Tomatoes And Broth:
Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juices) and pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
Simmer With Beans And Pasta:
Reduce heat to a simmer. Add cannellini beans, small pasta, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish And Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or pancetta.
Different Beans: Substitute kidney beans or chickpeas for cannellini beans.
Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or chard during the last few minutes of cooking.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice in place of regular pasta.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a gentle heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze (without pasta for best texture) for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, adding water or broth if needed to loosen the soup.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes?

Yes, substitute 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes for canned.

2. Will The Pasta Get Mushy?

If storing or freezing, cook pasta separately and add before serving.

3. Is This Recipe Vegan?

Yes, if you skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version.

4. Can I Use Other Beans?

Absolutely—use any bean you like, such as great northern, navy, or pinto beans.

5. How Can I Make The Soup Thicker?

Mash some of the beans or add more vegetables for a thicker texture.

6. What Other Herbs Can I Use?

Try fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for extra aroma.

7. Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?

Yes—add everything except pasta, cook on low for 6 hours, then add pasta for the last 20–30 minutes.

8. Can I Double The Recipe?

Easily—just use a larger pot and double all ingredients.

9. What’s The Best Pasta Shape?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or small shells hold up best in soup.

10. Can I Add Meat?

Sure! Brown ground beef, turkey, or sausage before adding the onions for a meaty variation.

Conclusion

Rustic Minestrone Soup With Beans And Pasta is a nourishing, flavorful classic—filling enough for a meal and endlessly adaptable. Full of hearty beans, tender pasta, and plenty of vegetables, it’s the ultimate way to eat well and feel good. Enjoy a bowl with crusty bread and savor the taste of comfort!

Maggie