This Minestrone Soup (Quick American Style) is hearty, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Packed with vegetables, beans, pasta, and a rich tomato broth, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner or meal-prep soup. Budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. Save this easy soup recipe for cozy nights, healthy lunches, and fast comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy — no long simmering
- Family-friendly and veggie-packed
- Budget-friendly pantry staples
- Customizable with pasta, beans, or protein
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or shells)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, broth, beans, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil and stir in pasta.
- Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add zucchini and green beans; cook 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in spinach if using, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
Tips & Variations
- Pasta control: Cook pasta separately to avoid soggy leftovers
- Protein boost: Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage
- Low-carb: Skip pasta and add extra veggies
- Flavor boost: Add a Parmesan rind while simmering
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheating: Add extra broth if thickened
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread
- Pair with a simple side salad
- Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs
- Perfect for meal prep lunches
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 9g
Conclusion
This Minestrone Soup (Quick American Style) brings all the cozy, veggie-packed goodness of the classic with a fast, weeknight-friendly twist. Simple, nourishing, and endlessly customizable, it’s a soup you’ll want to keep on repeat. Save it, print it, and enjoy anytime comfort calls.
FAQ – Minestrone Soup
Can I freeze minestrone soup?
Yes, but freeze without pasta for best texture.
How do I make it ahead of time?
Prepare the soup base and add pasta when reheating.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely use whatever veggies you have on hand.
Is minestrone soup vegan?
Yes, when made with vegetable broth and no cheese.
How do I thicken minestrone soup?
Mash some beans or simmer uncovered a few minutes longer.