Gather Your Ingredients
To start, collect the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as macaroni or penne)
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the Zucchini and Tomatoes
Once the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery are cooked, add the diced zucchini and canned tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and the vegetables to become tender.
Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, cook the small pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add the Beans and Seasonings
After simmering the soup, stir in the cooked pasta and add the kidney beans. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
Serve and Enjoy
Your thick and hearty minestrone soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls, and if desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Minestrone soup is incredibly versatile, making it a go-to option for using up any produce in your fridge. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Italian soup!