Spring Minestrone Soup (Printable Version)
Light spring minestrone with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and herbs—bright, nourishing, ready in 50 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 small zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup shelled fresh or frozen peas
08 - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
09 - 2 cups baby spinach
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Broth & Pasta
11 - 6 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or orzo
→ Seasonings & Herbs
13 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
17 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
18 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, optional
→ Garnishes
19 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
20 - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the mixture is fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add carrots and celery, continuing to sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
03 - Stir in zucchini, green beans, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and increase heat to bring soup to a gentle boil.
05 - Add small pasta and fresh or frozen peas. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in baby spinach, chopped basil, parsley, and dill. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until spinach is wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top each portion with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It lets you toss in whatever fresh vegetables you have, giving every pot its own unique twist.
- The lively colors and flavors make it a bright centerpiece for any table—perfect for when you want something simple, nourishing, and a little bit special.
02 -
- If you add the pasta too early, it will drink up all the broth and turn the soup into a stew—wait until right before serving.
- Stirring in fresh herbs at the end instead of the beginning brightens up the whole dish in a way dried herbs just can’t replicate.
03 -
- Always add spinach and delicate herbs at the last minute to keep them bright and flavorful.
- If you want a bit of luxury, finish each bowl with a big spoonful of good ricotta or extra Parmesan—it’s transformative.