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This best minestrone soup recipe is a wholesome, Italian-inspired Minestrone Soup packed with colorful vegetables, beans, and rich flavors, ready in under an hour. Perfect as a cozy meal or a festive starter for Independence Day, this Easy Minestrone Soup is vegetarian (vegan with dairy-free parmesan) but can be customized with sausage for extra heartiness. It’s a versatile summer recipe that brings comfort and nutrition to any table!

Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup

This best minestrone soup recipe is a standout for summer and beyond:

Flavor-Packed: Layers of caramelized veggies, spices, and tomato paste create depth.
Healthy and Wholesome: Loaded with vegetables, beans, and optional gluten-free pasta.
Customizable: Add sausage or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser for Independence Day barbecues or potlucks.

Ingredients for Easy Minestrone Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this best minestrone soup recipe (serves 6):

Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for sautéing.
Onion: 1 medium, diced, for a sweet base.
Carrots: 2 medium, sliced, for crunch.
Celery: 2 stalks, sliced, for aroma.
Leek: 1 small, thinly sliced, for subtle sweetness.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for depth.
Zucchini: 1 medium, diced, for classic minestrone flavor.
Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp, for concentrated richness.
Dried Oregano: 1 tsp, for herbal notes.
Poultry Seasoning: ½ tsp, for warmth (or Italian seasoning).
Chili Flakes: ¼ tsp, optional, for a mild kick.
Black Pepper: ½ tsp, freshly ground.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can, for smoky flavor.
Broth: 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth, for the base.
Lacinato Kale: 2 cups, chopped, for vibrant greens.
Kidney Beans: 1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained, for protein.
Gluten-Free Macaroni Pasta: 1 cup dry, optional, for heartiness.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, for freshness.
Garnishes: Grated parmesan (or dairy-free parmesan) and extra parsley.

Optional Add-Ins:

Sausage: ½ lb pork or chicken sausage, cooked and crumbled, for a meaty version.
Other Beans: Cannellini or navy beans as substitutes.

Equipment:

Large soup pot
Cutting board and knife
Medium pot for pasta
Colander
Wooden spoon

How to Make Minestrone Soup

This best minestrone soup recipe is straightforward and delivers bold, comforting flavors. Follow these steps for an Easy Minestrone Soup:

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 sliced leek, 3 minced garlic cloves, and ½ tsp kosher salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the onions are translucent and the veggies begin to caramelize.
Add Zucchini and Seasonings: Stir in 1 diced zucchini, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp poultry seasoning, ¼ tsp chili flakes (if using), and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly, enhancing its flavor.
Simmer the Soup: Add 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes and 6 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the soup reduces slightly.
Cook the Pasta: While the soup simmers, cook 1 cup gluten-free macaroni pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent it from softening in the soup.
Add Beans, Kale, and Parsley: Stir in 1 can kidney beans, 2 cups chopped kale, and ¼ cup chopped parsley. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the kale wilts but stays bright green. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: For immediate serving, add the cooked pasta to the soup. For leftovers, place pasta in individual bowls and ladle hot soup over it to keep the pasta firm. Garnish with grated parmesan (or dairy-free parmesan) and extra parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup

Maximize Flavor: Don’t rush the veggie sauté—caramelization adds depth.
Tomato Paste Trick: Cook it until it darkens for a richer, sweeter flavor.
Kale Timing: Add kale at the end to preserve its color and texture.
Pasta Control: Cook pasta separately to avoid mushy leftovers.
Spice It Up: Increase chili flakes or add a pinch of red pepper for heat.

Variations for Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

Customize this Minestrone Soup to suit your preferences:

Meaty Option: Add ½ lb cooked sausage, ground beef, or turkey for heartiness.
Bean Swap: Use cannellini, navy, or great northern beans.
Veggie Boost: Include diced potatoes, green beans, or spinach.
Pasta-Free: Skip the pasta for a lighter, broth-based soup.

Serving Suggestions for Minestrone Soup

This Easy Minestrone Soup is versatile for any occasion:

Serve at Independence Day gatherings with grilled chicken salad or balsamic steak salad.
Pair with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a cozy meal.
Offer as a starter for summer dinners with a side of watermelon fruit cake.
Add to a potluck spread with other summer recipes like orange cinnamon iced tea.

Storage Tips for Minestrone Soup

This best minestrone soup recipe stores beautifully:

Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, keeping pasta separate.
Freeze: Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

More Summer Recipes to Try

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Conclusion

This best minestrone soup recipe is a wholesome, flavorful Minestrone Soup that’s perfect for summer gatherings or Independence Day celebrations. With its vibrant veggies and cozy vibes, this Easy Minestrone Soup will become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts or tag us on social media with your soup creations!