A Traditional Italian Soup That Feels Like Home
Classic minestrone soup with pasta is rooted in Italian home cooking, where meals are built around what is fresh, seasonal, and available. Rather than following a strict recipe, minestrone has always been about flexibility and comfort. Families would simmer vegetables slowly, add beans or pasta for substance, and create a nourishing soup meant to be shared. What makes minestrone special is its balance: it is hearty without being heavy and filling without relying on meat. The addition of pasta transforms it into a complete meal, perfect for cooler evenings or simple family dinners. This version stays close to tradition while remaining easy and approachable for everyday cooking.
Classic Minestrone Soup With Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup small pasta ditalini or shells
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and cook until tender. Season and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Classic Minestrone Soup With Pasta
Classic minestrone soup with pasta begins by building a flavorful vegetable base. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. This combination, often called soffritto, is the backbone of many Italian dishes and gives the soup its depth.
Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, white beans, and vegetable broth, mixing everything together. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about fifteen minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the broth to develop richness without rushing the process.
Next, add the pasta directly to the pot. Using small pasta shapes ensures they cook evenly and fit comfortably into each spoonful. Let the soup simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the pasta cooks, it naturally thickens the soup, turning it into a hearty, satisfying meal. Taste as it cooks and season with salt and pepper near the end to maintain balance.
Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. Minestrone is flexible and forgiving. You can add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. Serve hot with crusty bread for a simple and nourishing Italian-style meal.
Conclusion
Classic minestrone soup with pasta is a timeless recipe that celebrates simplicity and nourishment. Made with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it offers comfort without heaviness and flavor without complexity. Easy to adapt and perfect for leftovers, this soup fits effortlessly into everyday cooking. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a full meal, minestrone remains a reliable, wholesome dish that brings warmth and tradition to the table.