Parmesan Veggie Soup

Featured in: Olive-Warm Comfort Meals

This rustic Italian-style soup combines fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and potatoes in a rich vegetable broth. The star is freshly grated Parmesan cheese, melted into the simmering pot to create a creamy, savory depth. A Parmesan rind adds extra umami flavor during cooking. Ready in just 50 minutes, this nourishing bowl comes together with simple sautéing and simmering techniques. The result is a comforting, satisfying meal that's perfect with crusty bread. Each serving delivers balanced nutrition with protein from the cheese and fiber from the variety of vegetables.

Updated on Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:26:22 GMT
Steaming bowl of Parmesan Veggie Soup, featuring tender diced potatoes, carrots, and green beans in a rich, golden broth topped with fresh parsley. Pin It
Steaming bowl of Parmesan Veggie Soup, featuring tender diced potatoes, carrots, and green beans in a rich, golden broth topped with fresh parsley. | olivecinder.com

This Parmesan Veggie Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that combines a bounty of fresh vegetables with the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this Italian-inspired soup brings together a colorful variety of nutritious ingredients in a rich, flavorful broth that is ready in just 50 minutes.

Steaming bowl of Parmesan Veggie Soup, featuring tender diced potatoes, carrots, and green beans in a rich, golden broth topped with fresh parsley. Pin It
Steaming bowl of Parmesan Veggie Soup, featuring tender diced potatoes, carrots, and green beans in a rich, golden broth topped with fresh parsley. | olivecinder.com

The secret to this soup's satisfying profile lies in the combination of aromatic herbs and the slow-simmered vegetables. Each spoonful offers a mix of tender textures, from the diced potatoes to the crisp green beans, all tied together by the salty and nutty notes of melted Parmesan.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 75 g (about 3/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1 Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2
Add carrots, celery, zucchini, potato, and green beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Add the Parmesan rind if using.
Step 4
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Step 5
Remove the Parmesan rind. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and soup is creamy.
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The Parmesan rind is an excellent way to infuse the broth with extra depth and flavor. If you do not have a rind on hand, you can simply increase the amount of grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end to achieve a similar savory result.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To create a heartier version of this soup, consider adding half a cup of cooked small pasta or canned beans during the final 10 minutes of simmering. For those following a vegan diet, use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or omit the cheese entirely.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is best served hot, garnished generously with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan. For a complete and filling meal, enjoy it alongside a piece of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious vegetable broth.

Close-up of hearty Parmesan Veggie Soup in a rustic white bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and grated cheese, ready to be enjoyed with crusty bread. Pin It
Close-up of hearty Parmesan Veggie Soup in a rustic white bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and grated cheese, ready to be enjoyed with crusty bread. | olivecinder.com

This Parmesan Veggie Soup is a timeless classic that delivers warmth and nutrition in every bowl. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, its blend of fresh ingredients and savory cheese makes it a satisfying choice for any occasion.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make this parmesan soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The Parmesan flavor continues to develop, making leftovers even more delicious.

What vegetables work best in this hearty soup?

The classic combination includes carrots, celery, zucchini, potatoes, and green beans. You can substitute based on seasonality—try butternut squash in fall, spinach in spring, or bell peppers in summer. Keep total vegetable quantity similar for best results.

Is the Parmesan rind really necessary?

Not strictly necessary, but highly recommended. The rind slowly releases rich umami flavor during simmering without adding fat or calories. Save rinds from wedges of Parmesan in your freezer—they keep for months and are perfect for soups and stews.

Can I freeze this veggie soup?

Yes, though the texture of potatoes may soften slightly. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed. Fresh Parmesan and parsley make excellent toppings after reheating.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Add 1/2 cup of small pasta like ditalini or orzo during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, stir in a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas. A slice of crusty bread for dipping also transforms this into a more substantial meal.

Parmesan Veggie Soup

Hearty vegetable soup with savory Parmesan, ready in 50 minutes for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Recipe by Owen Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 medium carrots, diced
05 2 celery stalks, diced
06 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
08 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
09 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
10 4 cups vegetable broth

Dairy & Cheese

01 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
02 1 Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
02 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
03 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 02

Build vegetable base: Add carrots, celery, zucchini, potato, and green beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Combine liquids and seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan rind if using.

Step 04

Simmer vegetables: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 05

Finish with cheese: Remove Parmesan rind. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and soup achieves creamy consistency.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy Advice

Make sure to review every ingredient for allergens and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk (Parmesan cheese)
  • May contain gluten if served with bread
  • Verify Parmesan and broth labels for potential cross-contamination

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Details here are just for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 9 g