Hearty & Healthy: The Ultimate Italian Filled Minestrone Soup with Pasta Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort the soul, and this delicious Italian-style filled minestrone with pasta is no exception. Bursting with fresh tomatoes, an abundance of vibrant vegetables, and satisfying pasta, it’s a truly wholesome and flavorful meal. This vegetarian recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice for a hearty lunch or a fulfilling dinner. The best part? You can have this comforting soup on your table in just 25 minutes, bringing the authentic taste of “mama’s” (or “papa’s”!) kitchen right to your home.
Â
It’s a good taste!
Â
Why This Filled Minestrone Soup is a Must-Try
Our filled minestrone soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Incredibly Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Packed with Fresh Vegetables: This minestrone celebrates the bounty of fresh produce. Juicy tomatoes, aromatic onions and garlic, sweet carrots, crisp celery, and tender zucchini come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s an excellent way to boost your daily vegetable intake.
- Hearty and Filling: Thanks to a generous amount of pasta and a medley of vegetables, this soup is wonderfully satisfying. It’s substantial enough to be a standalone dinner, leaving you feeling comfortably full.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients (aside from optional Parmesan), this recipe is ideal for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
- Authentic Italian Flavors: Inspired by classic Italian cooking, this soup captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The fresh herbs and rich tomato base transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
- Highly Customizable: While delicious as is, this minestrone is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables, different types of pasta, or a variety of herbs to make it uniquely yours.
The Story Behind Minestrone
Minestrone is a thick soup of Italian origin made with vegetables, often with the addition of pasta or rice, sometimes both. Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes. There is no single recipe for minestrone; it is often made out of whatever vegetables are in season and available, making it a truly flexible and adaptable dish. This tradition of using seasonal ingredients ensures that every bowl is fresh and vibrant, perfectly reflecting the time of year. Our version embraces this philosophy, focusing on fresh, accessible ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Bowl
The beauty of this filled minestrone soup lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:
- Olive Oil: The foundation of many Italian dishes, good quality olive oil provides a rich base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion & Garlic: These form the aromatic backbone of the soup, adding depth and a fragrant sweetness. Slice them thinly to ensure they meld seamlessly into the broth.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Crucial for that bright, tangy Italian flavor. Using fresh, ripe tomatoes (deseeded and cubed) makes a significant difference. If fresh aren’t available, high-quality canned diced tomatoes can be a good substitute.
- Vegetable Broth: The liquid base for our soup. Opt for a good quality vegetable broth to ensure a rich and savory flavor profile. Homemade broth will always yield the best results if you have the time.
- Fusilli Pasta: The “filled” aspect of our minestrone comes from the pasta. Fusilli, with its spiral shape, is excellent for catching bits of vegetables and broth. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells also work wonderfully.
- Carrot & Celery: Part of the classic Italian soffritto base, these vegetables add natural sweetness and a subtle earthy flavor, as well as a pleasant crunch. Slice them consistently for even cooking.
- Zucchini: A tender summer squash that cooks quickly and adds a delicate flavor and soft texture. Cut into small cubes so it integrates well.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick and a wonderful creaminess when stirred in, and is perfect for garnishing. For a truly vegetarian option, ensure it’s made without animal rennet, or use a suitable vegan cheese alternative.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Always adjust at the end to bring out all the flavors.
Knowing your ingredients and how they contribute to the overall dish is key to mastering any recipe, and this minestrone is no different. Freshness is paramount for the best results!
Did you make this filled minestrone soup with pasta? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram or twitter . I love it when you make one of my recipes and I’m looking forward to look it up. You can also share your recipes on my Facebook channel or pin this recipe on Pinterestso you can find it easy next time. See you soon!Â
đź“– Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion , sliced thin
- 2 cloves garlic , sliced thin
- 400 grams tomatoes , fresh, washed, deseeded and cut in cubes
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 50 gram fusilli
- 1 carrot , sliced 1 cm thick
- 50 gram Parmesan cheese, and extra for garnish
- 2 sticks celery, in small rings
- 1 zucchini , sliced in cubes ½ x ½ cm
- salt and pepper , at taste
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
-
Pour the oil in a soup pan and heat on high heat.
-
Add the onion and bake on medium heat until translucent.
-
Add the garlic and stir-fry 30 seconds.
-
Turn the heat low add the tomatoes and bake (with the pan covered) for 1 minute.
-
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
-
Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Add the fusilli, carrot, Parmesan cheese and celery and simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Add the zucchini and simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat.
-
Add salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve (serve with fresh Parmesan cheese which can be added at taste)
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Minestrone
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your minestrone from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook even after the heat is off. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and cook just until al dente. If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Use Fresh, Seasonal Vegetables: Minestrone is a celebration of vegetables. Use the freshest produce you can find. Seasonal ingredients will always taste best and provide the most flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The flavor of broths can vary, so tasting and adjusting is crucial for perfect seasoning.
- A Good Quality Broth: The broth is the foundation of your soup. A rich, flavorful vegetable broth will make a huge difference.
- Layer Your Flavors: SautĂ©ing the onion and garlic until translucent is key to building a deep flavor base. Don’t rush this step!
- Don’t Skimp on the Garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) and a drizzle of good quality olive oil can add a final flourish that brightens the entire dish.
Delicious Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about minestrone is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own:
- Add More Greens: Wilt in some fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Include Beans: Canned cannellini beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained, make a fantastic addition, adding protein and fiber to make the soup even more filling. Add them with the pasta and other final vegetables.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can give your soup a subtle warmth and kick.
- Different Pastas: While fusilli is great, feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti.
- Herbs & Aromatics: Enhance the Italian flavors with fresh basil, oregano, or a bay leaf simmered in the broth (remove the bay leaf before serving).
- Make it Vegan: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a high-quality vegan Parmesan substitute.
- Add Protein (Non-Vegetarian): If you’re not strictly vegetarian, shredded leftover rotisserie chicken or small pieces of Italian sausage can be added to increase the protein content.
Serving Suggestions for Your Minestrone
This filled minestrone soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Extra Cheese: Always offer extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who enjoy a richer flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This minestrone soup is often even more delicious the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Properly stored, it makes for excellent leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! For best results, it’s often recommended to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before serving. If you freeze the soup with the pasta already in it, the pasta might become a bit softer upon reheating, but it will still be tasty. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through. You may need to add a splash of extra vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency, as the pasta can absorb more liquid over time.
Conclusion: A Taste of Italy, Made Easy
This Italian-style filled minestrone soup with pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy fresh, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful food. Its quick preparation time, hearty ingredients, and comforting warmth make it an ideal choice for any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy vegetarian recipe promises a delicious result that will have everyone asking for seconds. So gather your fresh ingredients, embrace the joy of Italian cooking, and prepare to savor every spoonful of this wonderful minestrone. Don’t forget to share your creations!