Name: Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks of celery, diced; 3 cloves of garlic, grated or minced; 3 cups chopped kale; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed; 32 ounces Zoup! Good Really Good® Veggie Broth; 2 cups water; 15 ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup uncooked pasta (such as shells, macaroni, or rotini); Parmesan cheese rind; Shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 87 reviews

If you are looking for a hearty, nourishing, and absolutely delicious meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, wholesome lentils, tender pasta, and fragrant herbs, this soup combines the best of comfort food with healthy ingredients. The rich tomato base paired with earthy lentils makes it a perfect choice for any day you want something filling yet light on the palate. It’s super simple to make, yet so rewarding with every spoonful, and once you try this Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden tray filled with various food items on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there is an open tin can showing green and white colors at the top left, next to half a lemon with a yellow inside and brown whole onion on a wooden board. Behind the onion are three garlic cloves and three whole carrots in orange, with a green celery stick beside them. There is a bunch of fresh dark green kale leaves on the bottom right. Several small white bowls are placed on the tray: one contains white beans, another has small orange pasta shells, and a smaller one is filled with green peas. A jar with a yellow label containing a dark substance is at the bottom left. A small white dish has an arrangement of spices, including black and white peppercorns, a leaf, and some red powder. All items appear clear and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the soup truly special. Plus, these pantry-friendly items usually come together effortlessly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend project.

2 tablespoons olive oil: The base fat that helps soften the vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
1 cup diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 carrots diced: Contribute natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
2 stalks of celery diced: Offers crunch and a fresh, herbaceous note.
3 cloves of garlic grated or minced: Essential for that aromatic punch.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flavors.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly minty accent.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a sweet, peppery twist to the mix.
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste: Fundamentals for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the broth a bit.
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes: The rich, tangy heart of the soup base.
1 cup dried brown lentils picked over for debris and rinsed: The powerhouse ingredient loaded with protein and fiber.
1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes as the soup simmers.
1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional): Adds a wonderful umami boost and depth.
32 ounces Zoup! Good Really Good® Veggie Broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything to life.
2 cups water: Helps balance the consistency.
3 cups chopped kale: Provides lovely greens and a slight bitter balance.
15 ounce can cannellini beans rinsed and drained: Creamy texture and extra protein.
1 cup uncooked pasta such as shells, macaroni or rotini: Adds comforting chewiness and body.
1/2 cup frozen peas: Last-minute sweetness and freshness.
Shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish: The perfect finishing touches for richness and color.

How to Make Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, celery, along with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook this vibrant trio for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often until the vegetables soften and begin to release their natural sweetness. This initial step builds the foundational flavor that carries through the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste

Next, stir in the grated garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, and tomato paste. Let this aromatic mix cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the garlic to mellow and the herbs to blossom, while the tomato paste deepens the broth’s color and intensifies the flavors.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Lentils

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the rinsed lentils, the Parmesan rind, bay leaf, veggie broth, and water. Stir everything until well combined, then bring the whole pot to a rolling boil. Lower the heat and partially cover the pot to let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This simmering stage lets the lentils cook through and the flavors deeply mingle.

Step 4: Incorporate Greens, Beans, and Pasta

Remove the lid and add the chopped kale, rinsed cannellini beans, and uncooked pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta reaches al dente perfection. Then, take the pot off the heat and stir in the frozen peas, which will thaw nicely in the hot broth without losing their bright color. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf and Parmesan rind before serving!

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This last step ensures your Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe has just the right amount of flavor balance before you ladle it into bowls.

How to Serve Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with a colorful vegetable pasta soup are placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl shows layers of orange carrot cubes, small green peas, white beans, and spiral pasta in reddish tomato broth, topped with grated white cheese and fresh green parsley leaves scattered evenly on the surface. A silver spoon is inside the front bowl, resting on the side. To the top left, a small wooden bowl contains grated white cheese. There is a light brown cloth napkin to the right of the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The ideal way to finish this soup involves topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley. These garnishes not only add a beautiful pop of color but elevate the flavor with creamy and bright notes that complement the hearty soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

This soup is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can also bring a crisp contrast that balances the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini mugs for parties or cozy dinners. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor excitement. Offering a small dish of grated Parmesan and fresh herbs on the side lets everyone customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its vibrant flavors and textures. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezing

You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date, and when it’s time to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens after cooling or freezing, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency without losing flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brown lentils hold up nicely in this soup, you can substitute green or even red lentils. Just keep in mind that red lentils tend to break down more and create a creamier texture.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese rind and cheese garnish. You can add a splash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without animal products.

What pasta works best in Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Small shapes like shells, macaroni, or rotini are perfect because they cook evenly and complement the lentils and veggies well. Avoid large pasta shapes that might overpower the soup.

How thick or brothy is this soup?

This Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe is wonderfully balanced, with a rich broth that’s not too thick but still substantial from the lentils and pasta. If you prefer it thinner, simply add more broth or water during cooking or reheating.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After sautéing the vegetables and adding the tomato paste, pop everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, adding the pasta and kale in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a well-made bowl of lentil minestrone that warms both the body and soul. This Lentil Minestrone Soup Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and love in every bite. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delightful as I do!