Description
At its core, minestrone soup with parmesan is a thick, rustic Italian vegetable soup characterized by the inclusion of beans, seasonal vegetables, small pasta shapes, and a fragrant tomato-infused broth. Unlike smooth, pureed cream soups, minestrone celebrates bite-sized texture and vibrant color. Every single spoon delivers a satisfying combination of soft beans, tender zucchini, crisp green beans, leafy greens, and comforting pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup green beans, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, beans, green beans, Italian seasoning, oregano, pepper, and a little salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add lemon juice if desired.
- Ladle into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Add the Parmesan just before serving for the best flavor. For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~290 kcal
Keywords: Italian minestrone with parmesan, classic vegetable minestrone soup, homemade parmesan minestrone