Introduction
Have you ever wondered if a single bowl of soup could actually capture the entire essence of a cozy winter afternoon? Many people believe that delicious depth of flavor requires hours of simmering or expensive cuts of meat but I am here to tell you that the humble Winter Minestrone Soup proves otherwise. When the temperature drops and the windows start to frost over there is nothing quite like a steaming pot of vegetables and beans bubbling on the stove to make a house feel like a home.
I am Benjamin Sharif and if you have been following my journey at Mister Recipes you know that my kitchen is my happy place. This specific recipe takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen where I learned that the best meals are the ones shared with people you love. This Winter Minestrone Soup is a staple in our household because it is forgiving flexible and incredibly nourishing. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner picking up a ladle for the first time this recipe is designed to bring success to your table and smiles to your family’s faces.
Why You’ll Love This Winter Minestrone Soup
- Nutrient Dense Comfort: This soup is packed with leafy greens like kale or chard and fiber rich beans making it a powerhouse of nutrition during cold and flu season.
- Budget Friendly: You can feed a whole family using simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes pasta and seasonal root vegetables.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: In fact this soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to mingle in the fridge.
- Kid Approved: My kids Adams and Jana absolutely love the small pasta shapes and the mild savory broth making it an easy way to get them to eat their veggies.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have in your crisper drawer.
Ingredients for Winter Minestrone Soup
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced into half moons
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 small butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups high quality vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup dry ditalini or small shell pasta
- 2 cups chopped kale or swiss chard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How to Make Winter Minestrone Soup
Step by Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion carrots and celery. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. This creates a flavor base similar to my Amish Snow Day Soup Recipe Easy Comfort Food which relies on slow sautéing for depth.
- Stir in the cubed butternut squash and garlic. Sécure the aromatics by cooking for just 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add the dried oregano salt and pepper. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the broth. Stir well to combine all those beautiful colors.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the soup simmers you might consider serving this alongside Winter Minestrone with Garlic Bruschetta for a classic crunch.
- Stir in the cannellini beans and the dry pasta. Increase the heat slightly and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
- Finally fold in the chopped kale or chard. The heat from the soup will wilt the greens in just a minute or two. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the whole dish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips & Variations
If you want to take your Winter Minestrone Soup to the next level try adding a Parmesan rind to the broth while it simmers. This adds a salty umami richness that is hard to beat. If you are looking for a creamier texture you can take a cup of the beans and mash them before adding them back to the pot which thickens the liquid beautifully much like the base of an Authentic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe focuses on a velvety broth profile.
For a vegan version simply omit the cheese or use a nutritional yeast topping. If you prefer a bit of heat a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic works wonders. You can also explore the Winter Minestrone by Giada De Laurentiis for a version that uses different seasonal herbs and textures.
Serving Suggestions
I always suggest serving this soup with a side of crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the broth. If you want a more substantial meal a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a nice crisp contrast to the warm soup. For a cozy family dinner we often pair this with a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar. If you enjoy global flavors you might also love my Authentic Homemade Wonton Soup Recipe for your next family soup night.
Storage & Reheating for Winter Minestrone Soup
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. One thing to note is that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. When you go to reheat it you might need to add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months but I recommend leaving the pasta out if you plan to freeze it adding fresh pasta when you reheat the base. The best reheating method is on the stovetop over medium low heat stirring occasionally until warmed through.
FAQ about Winter Minestrone Soup
Can I use different beans? Absolutely. While cannellini are traditional kidney beans or chickpeas work just as well in this recipe.
What is the best pasta for minestrone? Small shapes like ditalini shells or even broken spaghetti are ideal because they fit perfectly on a spoon with the vegetables.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Simply add all ingredients except the pasta and greens to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the pasta and greens in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts on Winter Minestrone Soup
Making this Winter Minestrone Soup is about more than just filling a bowl; it is about taking a moment to slow down and nourish yourself and your family. I hope this recipe becomes a cozy favorite in your home just as it has in mine. If you enjoyed this recipe please save it to your Pinterest boards or share it with a friend who needs some winter warming. Do not forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out and subscribe to the Mister Recipes newsletter for more home cooked goodness. Grab your apron and let us get cooking!
