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Italian Vegetable Soup

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  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Course: Soup
  • Calories: Approximately 220 calories per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 2: Add More Vegetables

Stir in the zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening while developing flavor.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Stir well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes so the vegetables become tender and the flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Beans and Pasta

Add the cannellini beans and the optional pasta.

Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches the desired tenderness.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Remove the bay leaf.

Stir in the fresh spinach and chopped parsley. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired. Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh seasonal vegetables whenever possible for the best flavor.
  • Add mushrooms, peas, cabbage, or potatoes for extra variety.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or mash some of the beans before adding them.
  • For extra protein, stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils.
  • A splash of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
  • Fresh herbs provide an even richer Italian taste than dried herbs.
  • Cook the pasta separately if you plan to freeze the soup to prevent it from becoming overly soft.

Storage Instructions

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.

Variations

  • Add cooked shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
  • Make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
  • Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.
  • Replace cannellini beans with kidney beans or great northern beans.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Vegetable Soup pairs wonderfully with:

  • Crusty artisan bread
  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Caprese salad
  • Grilled cheese sandwich
  • Homemade focaccia
  • Parmesan crackers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Vegetable Soup is comforting, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, protein-rich beans, and aromatic Italian herbs that create a rich, satisfying broth. The recipe is budget-friendly, perfect for meal prep, and easily customizable using your favorite vegetables. Every bowl offers wholesome goodness with authentic Italian-inspired flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Cholesterol: 2mg
  • Potassium: 720mg
  • Vitamin A: 90% Daily Value
  • Vitamin C: 60% Daily Value
  • Calcium: 10% Daily Value
  • Iron: 18% Daily Value

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