Easy One-Pot Minestrone Soup with Cabbage and Beans

Nutrient-packed soup that's loaded with your favorite Italian flavors.

Did you know that minestrone means “big soup” in Italian? Once you see everything going into this minestrone soup recipe, you’ll understand why. There’s no official rulebook for minestrone. Some versions have beans, some have pasta, and mine has both, plus a little cabbage for a twist. What I care about is big, cozy flavor without spending all day at the stove, and that’s exactly what this stovetop minestrone soup delivers. I’m not shy about it: I think this is the best minestrone soup you’ll make this season, so go ahead and see for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup Recipe

• It’s an easy minestrone soup. Everything happens in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
• It’s hearty and filling. Between the pasta, beans, and veggies, one bowl goes a long way.
• It’s packed with vegetables. This is an easy vegetable soup recipe that still feels like a full meal.
• The flavor is big. Garlic, onion, tomato paste, and herbs build a rich base, and Parmesan on top finishes it off.
• It’s flexible. Swap in what you have and it still works.

Minestrone Soup Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this homemade minestrone soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 3/4 cup celery, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 13.5 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 13.5 ounces canned cannellini beans
• 1 pound macaroni pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

A quick tomato paste tip: Not all tomato paste is created equal. If you want a real flavor boost, look for double or triple concentrated paste, which usually comes in a tube. It’s easy to squeeze out just what you need, and it keeps well in the fridge. If you only have the canned kind, scoop the leftovers into a zipper bag or small container and freeze it so it’s ready for your next pot of soup.

How to Make Minestrone Soup

If you’ve been wondering how to make minestrone soup without any fuss, this is it:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and onions and sauté for 5 minutes, until fragrant and lightly tender. This is what cooks call “sweating” your aromatics, and it’s where your flavor base starts.
3. Add the broth, cabbage, tomato paste, parsley, basil, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and tomatoes with their juice. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the pasta and beans and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove the bay leaf.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.

Bonus flavor hack: If you grate your own Parmesan from a wedge and have a leftover rind, toss it in when you add the broth and veggies. It adds a deep, savory richness, and it keeps good cheese from going to waste. Just fish it out before serving, along with the bay leaf.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

One of the best things about classic Italian minestrone is how forgiving it is. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

• Broth: I use chicken broth, but vegetable broth works well if you prefer it.
• Beans: No cannellini? Great northern beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas all work in minestrone soup with pasta and beans.
• Pasta: Macaroni is what I use, but ditalini, small shells, or elbow noodles are all good stand-ins.
• Veggies: Zucchini, spinach, kale, green beans, or potatoes can all join the party.
• Protein: Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken for an even heartier bowl.
• Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick.

Minestrone Soup FAQs

What makes this classic Italian minestrone?
Minestrone is all about vegetables, tomatoes, and usually beans or pasta. Since it’s a “whatever’s in the kitchen” style of soup, there’s no single right way to make it. Mine is an Italian vegetable soup with pasta that leans on cabbage for a slightly different twist.

Can I make this minestrone soup with cabbage ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors get even better the next day. Just know that the pasta will keep absorbing liquid, so add a splash of broth or water when you reheat it.

Is this a freezer-friendly minestrone soup?
It is. Let it cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers. The pasta will be a little softer after thawing, so if you plan to freeze a batch, you can undercook the pasta slightly.

How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should keep for several days.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you’re most of the way there. Keep in mind that traditional Parmesan isn’t always vegetarian, so check the label or use a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but cook them first. Dried beans won’t soften properly in the time the soup simmers.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
I make this recipe on the stovetop, and that’s the method I’ve tested, so I can’t say how it would turn out in other appliances.

Conclusion

That’s my favorite minestrone soup recipe! It’s hearty, it’s easy, and it’s proof that any day can be a soup day, not just the chilly ones. Whether it’s a cold night or a mild afternoon, this bowl of minestrone soup with macaroni, cannellini beans, and Parmesan is one you’ll keep coming back to. Buon appetito! If you make it, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Additional Italian Recipes

If you’re craving more Italian-inspired food, I’ve got you covered. From cheesy bakes to fresh salads, these are some of my favorite ways to bring a little Italy to the dinner table:

• Homemade Chicken Parmesan
• Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini (pictured above)
• Eggplant Parmesan Casserole 
• Blackened Chicken Alfredo 
• Chicken Caprese Salad

Similar Recipes

If you love this minestrone soup recipe, you’re in the right place. I have plenty of other soups that are creamy, cozy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Here are a few more to try:

• Best Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup 
• Tuscan Chicken and Pasta Soup
• Creamy Tomato Soup 
• Italian Sausage Kale Soup 
• Instant Pot Turkey Lasagna Soup

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