Best 10 Easy Minestrone Recipes

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Welcome to the world of culinary delight, where we're about to embark on an adventurous journey to discover the best recipe for "easy minestrone". Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this classic Italian soup that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, tender beans, and a rich broth. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for an effortless yet satisfying meal, this article will guide you through the essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and variations to create a minestrone that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your cooking utensils, put on your apron, and let's dive into the delightful world of minestrone!

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

CONTEST-WINNING EASY MINESTRONE



Contest-Winning Easy Minestrone image

This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it's one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it's full of nutrition and low in fat. -Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 large carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups shredded cabbage
1 tablespoon dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
11 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute the carrots, celery and onion in oil and butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, cabbage, basil, parsley, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add macaroni; cook, uncovered, 6-8 minutes or until macaroni and vegetables are tender., Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with cheese. Freeze option: Before adding cheese, freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 443mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

EASY MINESTRONE



Easy Minestrone image

I wanted a soup recipe that I could make with staples that I always have on hand. This has become a family favorite so I always make enough to freeze. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Provided by Luhoney

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Minestrone

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped, or more to taste
2 onions, chopped
5 carrots, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with garlic and oregano
½ cup red wine
1 (16 ounce) package frozen green beans
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup seashell pasta, or more to taste
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Cook and stir garlic in hot oil until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add onion; cook and stir until slightly softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in carrots until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into onion mixture; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add red wine, reduce heat to low, and stir green beans, pinto beans, spinach, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper into broth mixture. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook seashell pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and stir pasta into soup. Ladle soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.3 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 6.6 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 388.1 mg, Sugar 8.9 g

EASY MINESTRONE SOUP



Easy Minestrone Soup image

Use leftover marinara for a head start on this yummy, veggie-packed soup. It's perfect with a sandwich on a chilly day, or with a crusty garlic bread and simple salad on a busy night.

Provided by Bibi

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Squash Soup Recipes     Zucchini Soup Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup diced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
⅔ cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 ¾ cups jarred marinara sauce
¼ cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups small shell pasta
2 cups quartered and sliced zucchini
1 (14.5 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup stemmed and thinly sliced kale
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add celery, carrots, and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion begins to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add vegetable broth, marinara sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until carrots are soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Add pasta and zucchini. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in beans, kale, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and allow soup to cool slightly. Spoon into individual bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 364.8 calories, Carbohydrate 64.3 g, Cholesterol 2.9 mg, Fat 6.5 g, Fiber 9.6 g, Protein 14.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 788.8 mg, Sugar 13.8 g

QUICK AND EASY MINESTRONE



Quick and Easy Minestrone image

Traditionally, minestrone is slow-simmered with Parmigiano-Reggiano rinds to impart a rich umami flavor to the broth. In our shortcut version, soy sauce is used instead, adding instant depth to this pantry-friendly soup.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for serving
One 8-ounce can corn kernels, drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 quart chicken broth
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup small pasta, such as small shells
One 14-ounce can white beans, drained, reserving half of the liquid
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 14-ounce can cut green beans, drained

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, rosemary and oregano and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste begins to darken in color, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the paste is smooth and incorporated into the liquid.
  • Add the whole can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid), and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the pasta, the white beans and reserved liquid and the soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the pasta is al dente, 7 to 8 minutes, stirring in the green beans during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Serve in individual bowls with a little oil drizzled on top.

EASY SLOW COOKER VEGETARIAN MINESTRONE



Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone image

This minestrone is yummy, full of good-for-you veggies, and made in the slow cooker. What could be better?

Provided by singlemomcooking

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Special Collection Recipes     New

Time 7h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 medium onion, minced
1 large carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and ground black pepper to taste
6 cups vegetable stock
1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can undrained diced tomatoes
¼ pound fresh green beans, trimmed
½ cup uncooked ditalini pasta
¼ cup pesto

Steps:

  • Heat oil in the bottom of a 4- or 6-quart slow cooker on High. Add zucchini, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
  • Pour in vegetable stock, chickpeas, undrained tomatoes, and green beans. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours.
  • Add ditalini and cook for 1 more hour. Stir in pesto and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.9 calories, Carbohydrate 33.5 g, Cholesterol 3.3 mg, Fat 8.7 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 8.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 697.9 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

EASY MINESTRONE



Easy Minestrone image

"This is a wonderful recipe to put together in the morning and forget about the rest of the day," assures Yvonne Andrus of American Fork, Utah. "I have three small boys who are not big fans of vegetables, but they especially enjoy this hearty soup."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 6h20m

Yield 10 servings (about 3-1/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
1-1/2 cups shredded cabbage
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1-1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender. , Just before serving, stir in macaroni; heat through. Serve with cheese.

Nutrition Facts :

EASY MEATBALL MINESTRONE



Easy Meatball Minestrone image

"As the busy parents of two boys, my husband and I are always on the lookout for quick meals," writes Linda de Beaudrap of Calgary, Alberta. "You don't have to thaw the frozen meatballs for this satisfying soup, so you can have it on the table in minutes."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10-12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 cups water
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 package (12 ounces) frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil; add spaghetti. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until spaghetti is tender. Add the meatballs and tomatoes; heat through. Discard bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 736mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

EASY CROCK POT MEATBALL MINESTRONE



Easy Crock Pot Meatball Minestrone image

I always love to find a new way to use frozen meatballs--either commercial or homemade and frozen. This is a particularly good (and hearty) soup. I think you will enjoy it. I found a tiny elbow macaroni in the Mexican section of the ethnic aisle of the supermarket; I thought it worked very well in this recipe. It's name is Pasta Alimenticia (La Moderna brand). I also substituted Navy beans for the kidneys since we like them best. The recipe comes from "Slow Cooker Magic" by Rehberg and Conway.

Provided by Lorraine of AZ

Categories     Beans

Time 6h45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb frozen meatballs
1 medium onion, chopped
5 cups beef broth (or 5 bouillon cubes and 5 cups water)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, Italian-style
1 cup peeled and sliced carrot, about 1/8-inch thick
1 cup sliced celery, about 1/4-inch thick
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
grated parmesan cheese (to garnish)

Steps:

  • In a nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides. Just before they are completely browned, add the onion to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking about 2 more minutes or until the onions are soft.
  • Add 1 cup of the beef broth to the pan, stirring up all the browned particles from the bottom of the pan. Carefully pour contents of skillet into your crock pot. I used a 4-quart sized crock pot.
  • Add the rest of the beef broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, green pepper, oregano, basil and parsley to the crock pot. Cover and cook on LO for 6 to 8 hours.
  • Turn the heat to HI. Add the macaroni and rinsed and drained beans; stir. Cover and cook about 30 minutes until the macaroni is fully cooked.
  • Taste before serving. If necessary, adjust seasoning. Serve in soup bowls with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

SUPER EASY SPICY BEEF MINESTRONE SOUP



Super Easy Spicy Beef Minestrone Soup image

This is a real crowd pleaser. Nobody can tell I didn't spend lots of time preparing this. Even my very fussy-eater husband likes this! My sister-in-law gave me the recipe. I don't know where it came from...

Provided by Laura in Texas

Categories     Beans

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 lb cooked lean ground beef
1 can ranch-style pinto beans, undrained
1 can rotel style diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
3 cans minestrone soup (I prefer Progresso Brand)

Steps:

  • Cook ground beef in a stock pot.
  • Season to taste.
  • I add a little pepper and dried minced onion.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients, undrained.
  • (Sometimes I put the tomatoes in a blender first because my husband hates tomato chunks.) Simmer, covered, about an hour until flavors blend.
  • Stir occasionally.

SLOW & EASY MINESTRONE RECIPE



SLOW & EASY MINESTRONE RECIPE image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Fall

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 small zucchini, halved and cut into 3/4-inch slices
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup quick-cooking barley
1 can (15 ounces) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Steps:

  • In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours. Cook barley according to package directions; stir into soup. Add beans; heat through.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables: The fresher the vegetables, the more flavorful your minestrone will be. If you can, try to use vegetables that are in season, as they will be at their peak of flavor.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables: Vegetables should be cooked until they are tender, but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked vegetables will lose their flavor and texture.
  • Use a variety of beans and pasta: Beans and pasta add heartiness and texture to minestrone. Use a variety of beans, such as cannellini beans, kidney beans, and black beans. You can also use a variety of pasta shapes, such as macaroni, penne, and spaghetti.
  • Add some herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to minestrone. Some good choices include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
  • Let the soup simmer for a while: Simmering allows the flavors of the vegetables, beans, and pasta to meld together. The longer you simmer the soup, the more flavorful it will be.

Conclusion:

Minestrone is a delicious and versatile soup that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and it's also a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a cozy soup to warm you up on a cold day, minestrone is a great choice.

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