If you’re looking for a comforting, healthy, and flavorful meal, this Parmigiano Reggiano Minestrone is the ultimate Italian classic. Packed with fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and the deep umami of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, this soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal.
Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread or enjoying it on its own, this minestrone will warm you right up. Ready to enjoy a taste of Italy in every spoonful? Let’s get cooking!
Parmigiano Reggiano Minestrone
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni
- 1 Parmesan rind optional, for extra flavor
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese plus more for serving
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and omit the Parmesan rind.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and beans and season lightly with salt.
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Build the Soup
- Stir in the diced zucchini, green beans, and canned tomatoes.
- Add the vegetable broth, cannellini beans, bay leaf, oregano, and the Parmesan rind (if using).
- Bring the soup to a simmer.
Cook the Soup
- Let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Pasta
- Stir in the small pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Finish the Soup
- Remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind.
- Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve
- Ladle the Parmigiano Reggiano Minestrone into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- For extra flavor, simmer the soup with a Parmesan rind—it adds a rich, nutty depth to the broth.
- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand—bell peppers, peas, or even corn would work well in this soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use more beans or mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.
Variations:
- Minestrone with Meat: Add diced pancetta or Italian sausage to the soup for a heartier version.
- Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier flavor.
- Pesto Minestrone: Stir in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for an extra layer of herbaceous flavor.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Serve this Parmigiano Reggiano Minestrone with warm, crusty bread or a side of garlic bread. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, would complement the flavors beautifully. For a lighter option, pair the soup with a simple mixed green salad.
- Make It Ahead: Minestrone soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to reheat and serve.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.
A Hearty, Italian Comfort Bowl
Minestrone is the quintessential Italian soup, a rustic dish that brings together seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice in a savory, slow-simmered broth. But when you add Parmigiano Reggiano, it transforms into something truly special. This aged Italian cheese deepens the broth’s flavor, adding a nutty, umami-rich complexity that makes every spoonful irresistibly satisfying.
Why Parmigiano Reggiano Makes This Minestrone Exceptional
Parmigiano Reggiano isn’t just a garnish for minestrone—it’s an integral ingredient that elevates the entire dish. The cheese rind, often discarded, can be simmered in the broth, infusing it with a rich, savory depth that enhances the vegetables and beans. As the soup cooks, the rind releases its nutty, slightly salty essence, creating a more well-rounded and flavorful broth.
When served, grating fresh Parmigiano Reggiano on top adds another layer of richness, melting slightly into the hot soup for a creamy, umami-packed finish.
The Heart of a Good Minestrone
Every region in Italy has its own version of minestrone, but the foundation remains the same:
- Aromatic Base – Onion, garlic, celery, and carrots sautéed in olive oil build the flavor.
- Seasonal Vegetables – Zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, or leafy greens like spinach or kale bring freshness.
- Legumes for Heft – Cannellini beans, chickpeas, or lentils add protein and creaminess.
- Pasta or Rice – Ditalini, orzo, or arborio rice help thicken the soup and make it more satisfying.
- Slow-Simmered Broth – Whether vegetable-based or with a hint of chicken stock, the broth ties everything together.
And, of course, the Parmigiano Reggiano rind infuses every spoonful with an added layer of depth that sets this minestrone apart.
How to Serve & Elevate This Dish
A bowl of Parmigiano Reggiano Minestrone is already packed with flavor, but a few finishing touches can make it even better:
- Drizzle of Good Olive Oil – A touch of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the soup’s earthy notes.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the dish.
- Crusty Italian Bread – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Extra Parmigiano Reggiano – Because there’s no such thing as too much of this amazing cheese!
A Cozy, Nourishing, and Flavorful Italian Classic
Parmigiano Reggiano Minestrone is comfort food at its best—a dish that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying, perfect for chilly nights, weeknight meals, or even meal prep. With layers of umami from the aged cheese, tender vegetables, and a rich, hearty broth, this minestrone is a bowl full of Italian warmth and tradition—one that only gets better with every bite.
Wrapping It Up:
And there you have it—Parmigiano Reggiano Minestrone that’s hearty, healthy, and full of flavor! This classic Italian vegetable soup is a perfect way to enjoy a nutritious meal that’s loaded with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and the rich, nutty flavor of Parmigiano Reggiano. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. So gather your ingredients, simmer up a big pot of this comforting minestrone, and enjoy a taste of Italy at home. Buon appetito!
