Description

Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients? What if you could simmer a thick, hearty minestrone with colorful veggies, protein-rich beans, and aromatic herbs in just 75 minutes? Thick & Hearty Minestrone Soup is your answer—a 5-star-rated dish from 77 reviews, perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup for 10 servings (about 1 heaping cup each). Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.

Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Sautés veggies for flavor. Sub: Avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Yellow onion (1 cup diced, 130g, 1/2 large onion): Adds savory depth. Sub: White onion or shallots.
Carrots (1 cup sliced or diced, 120g, 1-2 large or a handful of baby carrots): Provide sweet crunch. Sub: Parsnips or sweet potato.
Celery (1 cup sliced or diced, 120g): Adds crisp, earthy flavor. Sub: Fennel or green bell pepper.
Zucchini (1 cup sliced or diced, 130g): Brings mild, tender texture. Sub: Yellow squash or eggplant.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Enhances savory warmth. Sub: 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Adds herby complexity. Sub: Mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Boosts flavors. Sub: Kosher salt or low-sodium alternatives.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground): Adds mild heat. Sub: White pepper.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Provides earthy notes. Sub: Dried oregano or rosemary.
Vegetable or chicken broth (6-7 cups, about 1.5L): Forms the flavorful base. Sub: Low-sodium broth or water with bouillon.
Water (2 cups, 480ml): Thins the broth slightly. Sub: Extra broth.
Red wine vinegar (2-3 teaspoons): Adds tangy brightness. Sub: Lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses subtle depth. Sub: Omit if unavailable.
Kidney beans (15.5-ounce can, 439g, drained and rinsed): Add protein and heartiness. Sub: Red beans or pinto beans.
Butter beans (15.5-ounce can, 439g, drained and rinsed): Provide creamy texture. Sub: Cannellini or navy beans.
Green beans (15.5-ounce can, 439g, drained and rinsed): Add color and crunch. Sub: Fresh green beans or frozen peas.
Diced tomatoes (14.5-ounce can, 411g, undrained): Create a tangy, rich broth. Sub: Fire-roasted tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes.
Tomato paste (6-ounce can, 170g): Thickens and deepens flavor. Sub: 1/2 cup tomato sauce (reduce water slightly).
Uncooked rice or orzo pasta (1 1/3 cups, 290g rice or 240g orzo): Adds hearty texture. Sub: Ditalini, farro, or gluten-free pasta.
Fresh spinach (3 cups, 120g, chopped): Boosts nutrition and color. Sub: Kale, Swiss chard, or omit.
Optional toppings: Grated parmesan and fresh thyme for flavor. Sub: Nutritional yeast (vegan) or fresh parsley.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and seasonal, creating a wholesome, hearty soup.

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Instructions

Ready to start? You’ll need a large stockpot or Dutch oven, a knife, and a spoon. These steps are simple, with tips for success.

Cook the veggies: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup carrots, 1 cup celery, 1 cup zucchini, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until veggies soften and release juices. Tip: Chop veggies uniformly for even cooking; stir to prevent sticking.
Build the soup: Add 6-7 cups broth, 2 cups water, 2-3 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 1 bay leaf, one 15.5-ounce can each of kidney beans, butter beans, and green beans (drained and rinsed), one 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained), and one 6-ounce can tomato paste. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Tip: Stir well to fully incorporate tomato paste.
Add rice or pasta: Add 1 1/3 cups uncooked rice or orzo. Cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: Check at 30 minutes to avoid overcooking pasta.
Finish with spinach: Stir in 3 cups chopped spinach and simmer for 5 more minutes until wilted. Remove bay leaf. Tip: Add spinach gradually to avoid clumping.
Serve: Ladle into bowls or homemade bread bowls, topping with optional parmesan and fresh thyme. Tip: Offer toppings in small bowls for customizable servings.