Name: Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup potatoes, diced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup zucchini or cabbage, chopped; ½ cup small pasta (ditalini or macaroni); Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil; Grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re craving a heartwarming bowl that tastes like a hug in a bowl, then you simply must try this Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe. Brimming with vibrant winter vegetables, tender pasta, creamy beans, and fragrant herbs all swimming in a rich, tomatoey broth, this soup is comfort food at its best. It’s the perfect dish to brighten chilly days, an ideal make-ahead meal, and a wholesome way to bring everyone together around the table. Trust me, once you try this Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe, it will become your go-to for cozy suppers through the cold season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of seven white bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with different colorful ingredients. Starting from the top, there is a bowl with shredded cheese, followed by one filled with round, bright orange carrot slices. Below, there is a bowl with chopped green celery and beside it, a bowl of white diced onions. On the right side, there are three dark green kale leaves placed directly on the marbled surface. At the bottom left, a bowl contains bright orange cubed butternut squash, and next to it in the bottom right corner, there is a bowl filled with light brown chickpeas. The overall scene is brightly lit and neatly organized, showing a mix of fresh vegetables and legumes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the soup’s hearty and wholesome vibe, making it an easy yet impressive dish to prepare.

Olive oil: The flavorful base that helps soften the vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth as it sautés down.
Carrots: Bring a naturally sweet crunch that balances the savory broth.
Celery stalks: Add an aromatic freshness that lifts the flavor.
Garlic: A little punch of fragrant warmth to awaken the palate.
Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that offer earthy, piney notes.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a subtle kick that brightens the whole dish.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a silky richness.
Diced tomatoes: The essential juicy base for that comforting, hearty broth.
Vegetable broth: Creates the soup’s savory body with a depth of flavor.
Potatoes: Tender chunks that bring a satisfying earthiness and creaminess.
Green beans: For a fresh, crisp texture and bright green color.
Cannellini beans: Protein-packed and creamy, perfect for heartiness.
Zucchini or cabbage: Adds gentle sweetness and tender bite.
Small pasta (ditalini or macaroni): The bite-sized pasta that soaks up the broth deliciously.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning everything perfectly.

How to Make Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these together for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation of your Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe, releasing their natural sweetness and aromas.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Let these cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic blend infuses the soup with layers of classic Italian seasoning that are absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute. This step concentrates the tomato flavors and adds a lovely richness that deepens the broth’s color and taste. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in the heartiness of the finished soup.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything. This is where your Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe really starts to come together into a flavorful and comforting base.

Step 5: Simmer the Hearty Veggies

Now add the diced potatoes and green beans to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. This slow simmer makes sure each vegetable releases its natural sweetness and contributes to the comforting texture you crave.

Step 6: Add Beans, Greens, and Pasta

Stir in the drained cannellini beans, your choice of chopped zucchini or cabbage, and the small pasta. Simmer for another 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy, and the greens are vibrant and cooked just right. This step finishes off your Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe with satisfying textures and plenty of wholesome goodness.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Lastly, season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Give it one last stir and get ready to serve this soul-warming Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe piping hot.

How to Serve Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe

A large green pot filled with a chunky vegetable soup on a white marbled surface. The soup has one thick layer of reddish-orange broth mixed with small pieces of orange carrots, white beans, light green celery, small pasta shells, and dark green leafy vegetables spread evenly throughout. A metal ladle rests in the pot, partially submerged, with the handle leaning on the edge of the pot. The pot is slightly stained on the outside near the top rim. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top brightens the soup with a burst of herbal freshness. For a touch of indulgence, grate some Parmesan cheese over each bowl right before serving to add a lovely creamy umami finish that melts into the broth beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth. A simple green salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast while keeping the meal light and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic feel that’s sure to impress. Or build a soup bar with various garnishes so everyone can personalize their bowls with extras like chili flakes, grated cheese, or crunchy croutons.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, but to maintain the best texture, it’s wise to leave out the pasta when freezing. Freeze the soup in portions with beans and vegetables, then add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding extra broth or water as needed since the soup thickens as it sits. Stir occasionally until warmed through to keep that perfect balance of broth and heartiness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of cannellini?

Absolutely! Kidney beans, navy beans, or chickpeas would all work beautifully in this Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe, each adding its own texture and flavor nuances.

Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, definitely. Simply omit the Parmesan garnish, and you’ll have a rich, plant-based Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After sautéing your base vegetables and mixing everything together, transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta near the end of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.

What pasta works best for this soup?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal since they hold the broth well without overpowering the vegetables and beans.

How can I make this soup gluten free?

Simply substitute the standard pasta with a gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go! The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both nourishing and joyful with every spoonful. It’s simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers cozy comfort all winter long. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope you’ll give this soup a try and let it become a staple in your cold-weather cooking rotation. It’s truly a delicious way to brighten even the frostiest days.