Easy Minestrone Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of minestrone soup. This easy version combines pantry staples with hearty beans, tomatoes, and vegetables to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days.

Using ready-made minestrone soup powder as the base makes this recipe quick to prepare, while butter beans, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables add plenty of flavour, texture, and goodness. It’s a wholesome soup that’s filling enough to enjoy as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 × 50 g packets Knorr Minestrone Soup
• 7 cups water
• 1 × 410 g can chopped and peeled tomatoes with mixed herbs
• 1 × 400 g can butter beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Method

1. Empty the soup powder into a large saucepan or pot.
2. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the water to form a smooth paste.
3. Slowly add the remaining water, whisking until the soup powder has completely dissolved.
4. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the chopped tomatoes with mixed herbs and the drained butter beans or cannellini beans.
6. If using, add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir well.
7. Simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavours have blended together.
8. If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a little extra hot water and simmer for another minute.
9. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Warm crusty bread
• Garlic bread
• Buttered bread rolls
• Toasted cheese sandwiches

For an extra touch of flavour, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving just before serving.

Variations

• Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Stir in baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Add cooked macaroni or small pasta shapes for a heartier meal.
• Replace the butter beans with red kidney beans or chickpeas.
• Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a gentle kick.

Kitchen Tip

Frozen mixed vegetables are a simple way to make this soup even more nutritious, but they’re completely optional. Even with just the tomatoes and beans, this minestrone is rich, hearty, and full of flavour.

Simple to prepare and ready in under 20 minutes, this Easy Minestrone Soup is a comforting family favourite that’s perfect to keep on your weekly meal plan.