If you’re craving a nourishing, comforting meal that’s simple to make, this Easy & Healthy Minestrone Soup is exactly what you need. Packed with colorful vegetables, creamy white beans, and tender pasta, this classic-inspired soup delivers big flavor with wholesome ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights, cozy evenings, or healthy meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Easy & Healthy Minestrone Soup
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum comfort
- Nutritious & filling: Loaded with vegetables, fiber-rich beans, and satisfying pasta
- Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors everyone enjoys
- Flexible & budget-friendly: Easy swaps with pantry staples
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day
This soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and light, making it a go-to for both lunch and dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can tomatoes with juice
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup small pasta
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
How to Make Easy & Healthy Minestrone Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 2–3 minutes to slightly soften.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the tomatoes (with juice), white beans, vegetable broth, water, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the pasta and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until just al dente.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or cooked rice
- Low-carb option: Skip pasta and add extra zucchini or cauliflower
- Extra protein: Add chickpeas or lentils
- Kid-friendly: Omit red pepper flakes for a milder soup
- Herb boost: Finish with fresh basil or thyme
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this soup with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze without pasta for best texture; add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Easy & Healthy Minestrone Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this Easy & Healthy Minestrone Soup is a cozy one-pot meal made with fresh vegetables, hearty white beans, and tender pasta. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, healthy lunch, or meal prep—comforting, nourishing, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 can (about 14–15 oz) tomatoes with juice
1 can (about 15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbows, small shells, etc.)
1 cup baby spinach or kale
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add zucchini and green beans. Cook 2–3 minutes.
4. Pour in tomatoes (with juice), white beans, vegetable broth, water, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender.
6. Stir in pasta and simmer 8–10 minutes, until pasta is just al dente.
7. Add spinach or kale and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with parsley and optional Parmesan.
Notes
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta, or swap pasta for cooked rice.
Dairy-free/vegan: Skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
Meal prep tip: If storing longer, cook pasta separately and add when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze the soup without pasta for best texture; add freshly cooked pasta after reheating.
Spice level: Keep it mild by skipping red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | ~480mg |
Final Thoughts
This Easy & Healthy Minestrone Soup proves that simple ingredients can create truly comforting meals. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches, or craving something cozy and nourishing, this recipe is a reliable favorite you’ll return to again and again.