Minestrone with Zucchini and Pasta

Name: Minestrone with Zucchini and Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 2 medium zucchini, diced; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: October 1, 2025

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Minestrone with Zucchini has been my favorite go-to comfort food for chilly evenings and busy weekdays alike. I remember discovering this particular combination during a summer trip to Italy, where a tiny trattoria served a version so fresh and vibrant, it completely changed my perspective on minestrone. Since then, I’ve spent years perfecting my own take, drawing on my experience with classic Italian flavors and a passion for creating hearty, vegetarian meals that truly satisfy. This healthy, easy-to-make soup is packed with fresh vegetables, robust tomatoes, and tender pasta, making it incredibly nourishing.

It’s not just delicious; it’s also wonderfully light yet filling, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to bring this classic to your own kitchen, creating a bowl of warmth that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Minestrone with Zucchini - detail 2

Why You’ll Love This Minestrone with Zucchini

This Minestrone with Zucchini isn’t just another soup; it’s a bowl of pure goodness that ticks all the boxes. I’ve poured my heart into making this recipe not only incredibly flavorful but also super convenient for your busy life. Here’s why it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen:

Bursting with Flavor: Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of savory and fresh tastes.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with wholesome vegetables and protein-rich beans.
Weeknight Friendly: Comes together quickly, perfect for a satisfying meal any day.
Comforting & Cozy: A warm, inviting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand.

The Hearty Appeal of Minestrone with Zucchini

The combination of tender zucchini, robust tomatoes, and al dente pasta creates a truly satisfying texture and flavor profile. It’s light enough not to feel heavy, yet substantial enough to leave you feeling completely nourished and content. This Minestrone with Zucchini brings both freshness and comfort to your table.

Minestrone with Zucchini - detail 1

Essential Ingredients for Your Minestrone with Zucchini

Crafting the perfect Minestrone with Zucchini starts with selecting the right components. I always stress the importance of fresh, quality ingredients because they truly make all the difference in the final taste of your soup. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to gather to bring this vibrant dish to life in your kitchen:

First up, 2 tablespoons of good olive oil to start our sauté. Then, we’ll need 1 large onion, finely chopped, along with 2 medium carrots, diced, and 2 celery stalks, also diced—these are our foundational aromatics. For that essential garlic punch, grab 2 cloves of garlic, minced. The heart of our broth comes from 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth (homemade is always a winner if you have it!).

For texture and protein, we’ll incorporate 1 (15 ounce) can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, and 1 cup of ditalini pasta. The star vegetable, of course, is 2 medium zucchini, diced into ½-inch cubes. Finally, to brighten everything up, we’ll use ½ cup of fresh basil, chopped, and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Don’t forget some grated Parmesan cheese for serving, if you like!

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Minestrone with Zucchini

Making this Minestrone with Zucchini is a straightforward and rewarding process. I’ve broken it down into simple, manageable steps so you can create a truly delicious and comforting soup without any fuss. Follow along, and you’ll have a heartwarming meal ready in no time. The key is to build flavors at each stage, ensuring every spoonful is packed with goodness. Don’t rush the initial sautéing of vegetables; that’s where a lot of the foundational flavor develops. Also, keep an eye on your pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy!

Once you get the hang of these steps, you’ll find yourself making this fantastic soup again and again. It’s a perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, proving that incredible meals don’t always require complex techniques. Let’s get cooking!

Preparing Your Vegetables for Minestrone with Zucchini

First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these aromatics for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely softened. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base for your Minestrone with Zucchini.

Simmering the Base of Your Minestrone with Zucchini

Once your vegetables are soft, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it becomes wonderfully fragrant – don’t let it burn! Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adding Pasta and Zucchini to Your Minestrone

Now, add the rinsed cannellini beans and ditalini pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to the pasta package directions until it’s al dente. Finally, stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender-crisp. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and season to taste.

Tips for the Perfect Minestrone with Zucchini

Achieving a truly exceptional Minestrone with Zucchini is all about paying attention to a few key details. Always use the freshest vegetables you can find; they truly elevate the soup’s flavor. Don’t skimp on good quality olive oil either, as it forms the base of our aromatics. When cooking the pasta, keep a close eye on it and aim for al dente; nobody likes mushy pasta in their soup!

Also, taste and adjust your seasonings frequently during cooking. A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference. For an even richer broth, consider sautéing a bay leaf with your aromatics and removing it before serving.

Customizing Your Minestrone with Zucchini

This Minestrone with Zucchini recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to toss in a handful of fresh spinach or some chopped green beans during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. If ditalini isn’t your favorite, small shells or elbow macaroni also work beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for a subtle flavor twist!

Storing and Reheating Your Minestrone with Zucchini

Properly storing your Minestrone with Zucchini ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days. Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You might need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minestrone with Zucchini

I get a lot of questions about this Minestrone with Zucchini recipe, and I love helping you make it the best it can be! Here are some of the most common queries I receive, covering everything from meal prep to ingredient swaps. These tips will help you tailor the soup to your needs and ensure delicious results every time you whip up this hearty vegetarian minestrone.

Can I make Minestrone with Zucchini ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Minestrone with Zucchini is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the soup base a day or two in advance. Cook the pasta separately right before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.

What can I substitute for ditalini pasta in Minestrone with Zucchini?

If you don’t have ditalini, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo work perfectly in this Minestrone with Zucchini. Just follow the package directions for cooking time.

Is Minestrone with Zucchini suitable for freezing?

Yes, but with a small caveat! If you plan to freeze your Minestrone with Zucchini, it’s best to cook and freeze the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to maintain its best texture.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Each serving of this hearty Minestrone with Zucchini (approximately 1.5 cups) provides an estimated 280 calories, with 7g of fat (1g saturated), 45g of carbohydrates, 10g of fiber, and 12g of protein. Please remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations.

Share Your Minestrone with Zucchini Experience

I would absolutely love to hear how your Minestrone with Zucchini turns out! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts, any delicious tweaks you made, or even a star rating. And if you snap a photo, be sure to share it on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your beautiful bowls of this comforting soup!