Inspired by classic minestrone, this Italian Vegetable Soup is cozy, flexible, and packed with flavor. With pasta shells, tender veggies, and pantry staples simmered in a savory tomato broth, it’s a one-pot weeknight dinner that works all year long. Bonus: it’s freezer-friendly, too.

Why You'll Love this Italian Vegetable Soup:
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot. Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Hearty & Comforting: Pasta, potatoes, beans, and veggies make it a complete comfort food meal.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite vegetables or toss in chicken or beef for extra protein.
- Freezer-Friendly: Great for batch cooking. Just freeze before adding the pasta.
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Key Ingredients:
- Onion, Carrots, & Zucchini: The aromatic veggie base for flavor and texture.
- Crushed Tomatoes & White Wine: Create a rich, savory tomato broth with a bit of brightness.
- Baby Potatoes & Pasta Shells: Add heartiness and make the soup extra filling.
- Kidney Beans, Corn & Green Beans: Pantry staples that bring protein, sweetness, and crunch.
- Italian Seasoning & Worcestershire Sauce: Boost savory flavor and depth.
- Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the end for color and a boost of nutrients.
Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and confirm that your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian (or sub with tamari or coconut aminos).
- Low-Carb: Omit the pasta and potatoes. Add more leafy greens, zucchini, or cauliflower to keep it hearty without the carbs.
- Low-FODMAP: Omit the onion, garlic, and green tops of scallions. Use canned lentils instead of beans, and skip the pasta or use a gluten-free low-FODMAP option.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked ground beef, or Italian sausage for a heartier version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste to the broth.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer finish.

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup:
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion, zucchini, and carrots in butter until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Build Broth: Stir in white wine, tomatoes, seasoning, and Worcestershire. Let simmer briefly.
- Simmer Base: Add potatoes, broth, corn, and bay leaf. Simmer until potatoes are nearly tender.
- Add Beans & Pasta: Stir in kidney beans, green beans, and pasta. Continue simmering until pasta is al dente.
- Finish with Greens: Add spinach and stir until wilted. Top with Parmesan and serve.

Tips for Success:
- If soup gets too thick, thin it out with extra broth or water.
- For a deeper flavor, sauté the veggies until they start to caramelize.
- Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base (without pasta and spinach) up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Add pasta and spinach when reheating.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup base (no pasta or spinach) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh pasta and spinach.

FAQs:
Minestrone typically includes pasta or rice and beans with a tomato base, while vegetable soup can be more varied and may or may not include pasta or beans.
Yes! You can add shredded chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage to make it heartier.
It’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating to avoid mushy noodles.
Absolutely! Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary work great in this soup.
Yes! It’s packed with veggies, fiber-rich beans, and lean ingredients, making it a nutritious meal.
More Soup & Stew Recipes You Will Love:
- Old-Fashioned Tomato & Rice Soup
- Creamy Bacon, Mushroom, & Parmesan Tortellini Soup
- Creamy Mushroom & Pearl Couscous Soup
- Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Italian Pasta & Beans)
Recipe

Italian Vegetable Soup with Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups yellow onion diced
- 1 ½ cups zucchini diced
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6-8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 8-12 baby potatoes quartered
- 1 bay leaf
- 15 oz can kidney beans drained & rinsed
- 14 oz can cut green beans drained & rinsed
- 8 oz can corn drained & rinsed
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 4-6 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Shaved Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, zucchini, and carrots. Sauté 6-8 minutes until starting to soften. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more.
- Stir in white wine and simmer for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add potatoes, broth, corn, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 14-16 minutes.
- Add green beans, kidney beans, and pasta shells. Simmer 8-10 minutes, adding broth as needed, until pasta is al dente and potatoes are tender.
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Serve topped with shaved Parmesan.
Notes
- To make Gluten-Free, use gluten-free pasta and Worcestershire sauce.
- For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit Parmesan or substitute vegan cheese.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific brands and amounts used.
Nutrition
Tried This Italian Vegetable Soup recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below! Your feedback helps others discover this easy, flavorful dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, theme park & Orlando travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Must Love Garlic says
Hearty, warming, and comforting.