Hey there, soup lovers! If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, then you’re in for a treat. Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup is the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy hug and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. It’s like a giant bowl of goodness, loaded with fresh veggies, hearty beans, pasta, and a rich, savory broth that just hits the spot every single time. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become your go-to comfort food!
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Why You’ll Love Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
Comforting & Filling: There’s something so satisfying about a big bowl of this soup. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, but light enough to enjoy without feeling too stuffed. Every spoonful is packed with nourishing ingredients that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
Packed with Veggies: This soup is a vegetable lover’s dream. It’s got a rainbow of veggies—carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes—each bite bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor. Plus, the beans and pasta add a nice texture that balances it all out.
Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a crisp fall afternoon, this soup is perfect year-round. You can always rely on it to deliver that homey, comforting feeling, no matter the season.
Easy to Make: Even though it’s packed with flavor, this soup is super simple to whip up. No complicated steps—just chop, simmer, and let the magic happen. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and leftovers!
Versatile: You can easily customize this soup to your liking. Add more or less of any ingredient, or even throw in a handful of spinach or kale for an extra boost of greens. It’s all about what you love!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup—it’s all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to make something amazing.
- Olive Oil: To sauté the veggies and bring everything together with a rich, smooth base.
- Yellow Onion: The classic start to many great soups. It adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots give the soup a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: Adds a slight crunch and bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Zucchini: A mild, tender vegetable that soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Garlic Cloves: For that aromatic, savory kick that really elevates the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes: The heart of the broth, making it rich and full of tangy flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: The base of the soup, adding depth and a savory taste. You can use chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are a must—they add protein and help make the soup feel hearty.
- Pasta (small shapes like elbow or ditalini): Adds texture and turns the soup into a satisfying meal.
- Bay Leaves: For a subtle, earthy fragrance that ties everything together.
- Dried Italian Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme): A blend of these herbs gives the soup that signature Italian flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To season and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh Spinach (optional): For a little extra green goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese (for serving): A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top makes the soup feel extra special.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making this Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup is easier than you think! Here’s how to do it:
Sauté the Veggies: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies soften and the onion turns translucent. The smell of this already smells like home!
Add the Garlic: Toss in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. You’ll want that garlic to be golden, not burnt, so keep an eye on it.
Simmer the Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Add the Beans and Pasta: Once the broth is simmering, add the cannellini beans and pasta. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is tender. If you like a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the beans to give it a creamier texture.
Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. This is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking, adding more herbs or salt as needed.
Add the Spinach: If you’re using spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. This will add a lovely burst of green and an extra nutritional boost.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and you’re all set for a cozy, delicious meal.
How to Serve Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
This soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that will complement its rich flavors:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: For an extra comforting combo, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something even more indulgent, garlic bread is always a win.
Additional Tips
- Make it Ahead: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering.
- Add More Veggies: You can throw in any extra veggies you have on hand—green beans, peas, or kale are all great additions.
- Dietary Adjustments: To make this soup vegan, just use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan cheese. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A1: Yes! Canned beans are a great shortcut. Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup.
Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
A2: Yes! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I add meat to this soup?
A3: Absolutely! You can add cooked sausage, chicken, or ground beef for extra protein. Just brown the meat before adding the vegetables.
Q4: How can I make the soup thicker?
A4: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans or use a stick blender to blend part of the soup to your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I add pasta to the soup later?
A5: If you’re making the soup ahead of time, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it when you’re ready to serve to prevent it from getting too soggy.
Q6: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A6: Yes! Just sauté the veggies and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth, beans, and herbs. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Q7: Can I make this soup without pasta?
A7: Sure! You can skip the pasta for a lighter version, or you could add rice or quinoa as an alternative.
Q8: How do I make this soup spicier?
A8: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup some heat.
Q9: Can I make this soup without tomatoes?
A9: Yes, you can omit the tomatoes and use a more neutral broth base, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough pot to fit everything!
Conclusion
There you have it—Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup! It’s everything you could want in a soup: comforting, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this is one dish that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Print
Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This minestrone soup is thicker than most, loaded with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich beans, and aromatic herbs. It’s rich in texture and packed with flavor, offering a different bite with every spoonful. Perfect for a comforting meal on a cool day! #MinestroneSoup #HeartySoup #VegetableSoup #HomemadeSoup #ComfortFood #HealthySoup #VegetarianSoup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup (130g) diced yellow onion (about half of a large onion)
- 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced carrots
- 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced celery
- 1 cup (130g) sliced or diced zucchini
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6–7 cups (about 1.5L) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 2–3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (6-ounce/170g) can tomato paste
- 1 and 1/3 cups uncooked rice (about 290g) or orzo pasta (240g)
- 3 cups (120g) fresh spinach, chopped
- Optional: Grated parmesan cheese and fresh thyme for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 6–7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add Liquids & Beans: Add broth, water, red wine vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir in kidney beans, butter beans, green beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer & Add Rice/Pasta: Once boiling, add uncooked rice or orzo. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes, or until tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and simmer for 5 more minutes. Discard bay leaf.
- Serve: Serve warm with grated parmesan and fresh thyme if desired. Great in bread bowls or regular bowls.
Notes
- This soup thickens more as it cools or sits—add extra broth if reheating leftovers.
- You can use any combination of beans you like; cannellini and garbanzo also work well.
- Make it vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping the parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg