Venetian-Style Northern Minestrone

A hearty and comforting classic from Northern Italy, this Venetian-style minestrone is brimming with seasonal vegetables, creamy beans, and tender pasta. Unlike its southern cousin, this version is rich and mellow with a silky broth base, making it perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave rustic Italian flavor.

🧄 Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
1 potato, peeled and diced
1/2 head green cabbage or Savoy cabbage, shredded
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Build the Base:
Add zucchini, green beans, potato, and shredded cabbage. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the canned tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes.

Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Add Beans and Pasta:
Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish:
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Venetian-Style Northern Minestrone

🥄 Heavy-Duty Dutch Oven – Essential for slow simmering hearty soups and stews
🔪 Vegetable Chopper and Dicer – Cuts prep time in half for all your soup veggies
🍝 Ditalini Pasta – The perfect pasta shape for authentic minestrone texture
🧂 Italian Herb Seasoning Blend – Enhance the flavor of your broth and veggies effortlessly
🧀 Microplane Parmesan Grater – Create delicate Parmesan curls right at the table

💡 Helpful Tip: Minestrone is even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently—add a splash of broth if the soup thickens overnight.