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Looking for a comforting dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor?
This Classic Italian Minestrone Soup is the perfect choice!
Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or just in need of an easy, satisfying meal, this recipe offers a delicious blend of fresh vegetables, smoky pancetta, and tender pasta in a rich, savory broth.
It’s a versatile, warming meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little extra for drizzling)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stick, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 courgette (zucchini), finely chopped
- 70 grams diced smoked pancetta
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (400 grams) cannellini beans
- 1 can (400 grams) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1.2 liters vegetable stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 70 grams small pasta
- 100 grams greens (such as kale, chard, or cavolo nero)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or casserole pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, courgette, and diced pancetta.
- Cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the pancetta is slightly crispy.
Step 2: Add Flavor
- Stir in the crushed garlic and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cannellini beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, vegetable stock, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer
- Let the soup cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Greens
- Stir in the small pasta and greens. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different shape or type of pasta, feel free to substitute it. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
What if I don’t have smoked pancetta?
No worries! You can substitute the smoked pancetta with bacon, ham, or even skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version. If you go meatless, you might want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.
Classic Italian Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil (plus a little extra for serving)
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 celery stick finely chopped
- 1 carrot peeled and finely chopped
- 1 courgette (zucchini) finely chopped
- 70 grams smoked pancetta diced
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 can 400g cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can 400g chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.2 litres vegetable stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 70 grams small pasta (like macaroni or ditalini)
- 100 grams greens (kale, chard, or cavolo nero)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Finely grated parmesan for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or casserole pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, courgette, and diced pancetta.Cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the pancetta is slightly crispy.
Add Flavor
- Stir in the crushed garlic and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the cannellini beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, vegetable stock, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer
- Let the soup cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add Pasta and Greens
- Stir in the small pasta and greens. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
hey, can i switch out the pancetta for like normal bacon? not sure what pancetta even is lol
Bacon works, but pancetta is Italian bacon. Big flavor difference!
Just tried this recipe out, and it was absolutely delightful! The way the flavors meld together is just perfection. Thanks for sharing, Sandra!
if i burn the pasta is it still considered gourmet asking for a friend
Why do all these recipes need fancy ingredients? Just cook something simple without all the fluff.
Is there a way to make this recipe in like, half the time? Who has the time to simmer anything on a weeknight?
Try using pre-cooked pasta and cut down on the simmering time, works for me!
ah, good idea! i’ll give it a shot, thanks!
ain’t no way this beats a classic stew. why complicate with pasta and fancy greens?