Tomato Basil Minestrone Soup (Printable Version)

Hearty minestrone with tomato, basil, pasta, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich broth.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
08 - 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
09 - 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

→ Broth & Flavorings

10 - 4 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
16 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Pasta & Beans

17 - 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
18 - 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Finish

19 - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
21 - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

# Preparation steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic, diced zucchini, and green beans. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
05 - Stir in small pasta and cannellini beans. Continue simmering for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is tender.
06 - Mix in chopped fresh basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
07 - Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and tastes like you've been cooking all day.
  • One pot means minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day, so you're basically gifting yourself an easy lunch.
02 -
  • Don't add the pasta too early or it will get mushy and break down into the broth; it should have some tooth to it.
  • Fresh basil at the end is non-negotiable—it completely transforms the soup from good to unforgettable.
  • Taste before serving and adjust seasoning generously; soup needs more salt than you'd expect.
03 -
  • Use good-quality canned tomatoes; they're often better than fresh tomatoes bought out of season and make a noticeable difference.
  • Keep the red pepper flakes optional but use them—they add complexity that makes people ask what your secret is.
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