Loaded with tons of spring veggies and packed with an unbelievable amount of flavor, you won’t miss the meat at all in this comforting vegetarian minestrone soup!
This soup. It’s bringing us outta thick-and-hearty soup season in style and throwing us into spring veggie paradise all at the same time.
Also, um. No meat in sight. WHAT? Who the heck am I and what have I done with Sarah the Carnivore?
You sure wouldn’t know it if you took one look at my dinner archives, but believe it or not, guys, I’m actually okay without meat every now and then. I certainly ENJOY meat, but really the only meats I actually like are leaner ones like chicken and turkey. And I don’t need to have them every day either…
My carnivorous brothers think I’m insane that I would choose chicken over beef any day. Just like I think they’re insane that they would choose pasta over quinoa. I mean, SERIOUSLY guys! Get with the trends for today!
Disclaimer: I love pasta with a huge and slightly-disturbing passion, but I also love quinoa equally.
Lastly, don’t cry, Mr. Quinoa because we’re giving Ms. Penne the spotlight today. Your turn is coming, I promise.
So this minestrone business. Love it or hate it? If you know me at all I’m guessing you probably know what my answer is:
Love. Love, love, LOVE.
And FYI: That’s a lotta’ love right there. And it’s all poured into this minestrone which makes it all the much more amazing.
Also, I’m pretty much the corniest person I’ve ever met. Eeeek….
Everyone I know has their own special way to make minestrone. This just so happens to be MY way. It’s the way my mom always made her minestrone when I was a kid and it’s the way I’ll probably always make mine. Granted, my mom did usually add meat to hers and I didn’t for mine. I found that it was already so loaded with veggies, pasta, and comfort, I didn’t even need it.
And I kinda wouldn’t love it any other way. β₯
Vegetarians, rejoice!
The veggie-list itself in this minestrone adds up to probably about 57 kinds of veggies in total. I happened to be cleaning out my fridge at the same time I was making the ingredient list for this minestrone, so somehow um, all the veggies in the fridge ended up getting thrown into the pot.
Good life decision on my part. More veggies = Longer and and just plain happy life. And a pretty dang-good minestrone. TRUTH! There’s so much flavor loaded into this pot, I swear your tastebuds will faint from happiness.
The great thing about minestrone soup is that it’s SO adaptable in the veggie department. Out of carrots? Throw in some extra celery. Don’t like spinach? Toss in a few handfuls of kale!
Of course, for the meat-lover there’s always the option of throwing in some cooked chicken too. I won’t juuuuuuuuudge ‘ya.
But still: Never underestimate the power of veggies and pasta. They are a total dark horse in the minestrone department.
This potful of springtime comfort food is calling your name. You’re gonna looooooove it.
All hail the springtime soups! Bring iiiiiiiiit.

Springtime Vegetarian Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cups zucchini diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- 6 cups vegetable broth OR chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach coarsely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a large pot over medium-high heat, saute carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, and garlic in olive oil until just barely tender. Reduce heat to medium and stir in tomato paste, tomatoes, and beans.
-
Gradually add vegetable broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in penne pasta and spinach, then let soup simmer until pasta is cooked and veggies are tender, about 7 minutes. Season minestrone with salt and pepper and serve warm.
Sarah – This is a beautiful and hearty soup. I have been craving soup lately. I think partially because it’s been so freezing this winter. Soups always fill me up and leave me satisfied. Minestrone is one of my favorites. π
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Root Beer Muffins
It sounds like this soup is right up your alley, Erin! You’ve gotta try it.
This soup is fantastic!
Glad to hear you liked it, Laura!
This soup looks amazing, Sarah! You’re totally inspiring me to start cooking with more veggies. I want a bowl of this for breakfast right now π
Danielle recently posted…Quinoa Pizza Bites
Thanks Danielle! I’ll admit that I’m not against thoughts of this minestrone for breakfast either! π
I love the flavors of this soup, Sarah! It looks so hearty and delicious. Such pretty pictures, too! I just want to dive right into a bowl for breakfast! π
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Banana Bread Granola
Thanks Gayle! I’m thinking I love the sound of this for breakfast. π
This looks way better than any minestrone I’ve ever eaten before!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen recently posted…Kentucky Hot Brown
Aww thank you Christin!!
This soup looks very hearty Sarah. I love when you can take vegetables and create something healthy and delicious without the guilt. I bet it tastes amazing.
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic recently posted…The Weekend Dish – Introducing Missy
Thank you Kathy!! π
This is definitely a spring soup. It’s gorgeous, Sarah! I love Mr. Pasta too. π
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Chocolate Strawberry Tassies
Thank you so much, Jen! And right?! Long live Mr. Pasta! π
I love how jam packed with veggies your minestrone soup is. It looks beautiful and so hearty and delicious!! A big bowl of this sounds perfect right now!!!<3
Thanks sweet Kelly! You’re too kind. π
It’s still kinda chilly here in Seattle, so a big bowl of this seems like exactly what I need! I’m loving’ al the veggies!
Rachael | Spache the Spatula recently posted…Grapefruit & Avocado Salad with Pistachios
Awww! I totally wish I could send you a big warm bowl of this soup, Rachael! Stay warm. π
You are 100% nailing spring time recipes Sarah! This soup is perfect. Even though it’s spring, it’s been so cold here lately. Soup is just what we need. And this is great for meatless monday!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Meet Our Baby Chicks!
Aaaww thanks so much, girlfriend! I would totally send you a bowl of this soup if I could! π
Yessss. This soup! It’s like minestrone on steroids (and I mean that as a compliment because it’s so gourmet!). Love!
Michelle { A Latte Food } recently posted…Sweet Potato Chicken Fajitas
Haha! You are too cute, Michelle. Looooove it! LOL. π
This REALLY does look like spring in a pot, Sarah! I could scoff down a big bowlful right now, even though I only finished my dinner about an hour ago!
I might (just might) be tempted to make a version of this with sausage in, but I’d also be very happy with the veggie version. Really really like this and pinning lots!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane recently posted…6-ingredient gooey Swedish chocolate cake (kladdkaka)
Oooh sausage thrown into the mix sounds absolutely awesome! So gotta try that next time.
Thanks for all the pin love, Helen! You’re the best, girl. xoxo π
I’m digging all of those huge chunks of veggies in this minestrone soup, Sarah! What a great hearty soup to enjoy for lunch or dinner!
Julie | This Gal Cooks recently posted…Plum Clafoutis
Thanks Julie!! π
I’m a girl from a cattle ranch, but I have to tell you – this Vegetarian Minestrone Soup looks so hearty and healthy!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen recently posted…Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
That’s a big compliment coming from you if you love beef, Kristi! Thanks so much, girl!
I am minestrone’s #1 fan!! Love love love it…it is totally my go-to soup recipe! Love your version, I’m sure the meat wouldn’t be missed one bit, not with all of those tasty veggies and pasta…looks delicious, Sarah, and gorgeous photos!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron recently posted…21 FAST & HEALTHY CHICKEN DINNERS (THAT AREN’T BORING!)
It’s my go-to dinner too, Denise! Seriously soooo simple and flavor-loaded. You just can’t beat it on a crazy weeknight! π Thanks for the sweet words and for the photo love, girl!
Well you know I love a good veg meal! The more, the merrier, I say. I want to slurp my way through a HUGE bowl of this.
Joanne recently posted…Wednesday Coffee Talk
You are totally the veggie-QUEEN, Joanne so I knew you’d love this! xoxo π
I adore soups and this one is no exception! Looks absolutely fabulous. I’d be slurping this all day.
Pinned. π
Melanie @ Carmel Moments recently posted…Purple Power Up Smoothie
Oh, I totally wanted to slurp this soup all day too. The temptation was definitely there. LOL. Thanks Melanie!
Sarah, love this soup!!! and yes to giving Ms. Penne the spotlight today!!! gorgeous minestrone soup!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Chocolate Avocado Bread
Thanks Alice!!
I so agree “more veggies = Longer and and just plain happy life”!!! Which means eating this gorgeously flavorful minestrone will leave me happy all day – heck, I need to make me enough so I have leftovers for the whole week! π
Yeeees! Eat this minestrone every day and you will be happy for the rest of your life! π
So where do I sign up to be a vegetarian?? You’d be my reference in a heartbeat π The chunked vegetables look amazing and I love how its a one pot meal that doubles as a springtime classic! Pinning this gorgeous recipe!
Mary Frances recently posted…Maple Hazelnut Streusel Blondies
Haha! Thanks so much, girlfriend! Totally wishing I could send you your own personal potful of this soup! xoxoxo π
I am a big soup fan! I love all the veggies you packed into this minestrone! Pinned!
Mariah @ Mariah’s Pleasing Plates recently posted…Berry Limeade Bars
Thanks for the pin, Mariah!! π
I love all of the vegetables you put in this soup! This is the perfect soup for spring time!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy recently posted…Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwiches
Thanks Kelley!
I love quinoa and pasta, too! This soup looks awesome, packed with wonderful spring veggies! Wish I had a bowl of it right now π
mira recently posted…Buckwheat With Mushrooms And Asparagus
Thanks Mira!
I just guessed at what point does the onion and spinach goes in the pot. I read it over and over if I skiped a part.
So sorry about that typo! It’s been fixed.
This soup makes my veggie loving heart rejoice! So pretty and filling!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! recently posted…Triple-Berry Granola Parfaits with Whipped Coconut Yogurt
Yea for veggies! π Thanks Amber!
Actually making this today! Wish me luck π
Let me know how it turns out, Ivana!
Hey Sarah the carnivore! I am just wondering if you used an old picture of your minestrone because those little pieces of ground turkey look just like little pieces of ground turkey. If not, what ingredient created those little pieces? Thanks!
I made this soup last night and it was amazing! Minestrone soup is one of my favorites and have recently started looking for vegetarian soup recipes. This is a keeper!!!
I’m so happy to hear that you loved this soup, Gloria! Thanks for letting me know. π
Making this savory soup for dinner! It smells so delicious! I have never made any type of soup before! Your recipe inspired me to try making something new!! Im sure it will be a recipe in my cook book forever! Great recipe!
Oh YUM – can’t wait to try this one….
Thanks so much!!
Made this today! Quick and flavorful, great veggie convo and pasta/liquid ratio!
Win! simple, and easy. I pre-cooked celery, garlic, onions, with olive oil, so the wouldn’t be crunchy in the soup. Also, I bought organic precooked carrots. good recipe! thank you for sharing! π
So happy to hear this recipe was a win for you, Chelsie! π