Easy Italian minestrone is a delicious and healthy homemade vegetable soup to make with pantry staples. Like all soups, this minestrone makes delicious leftovers!
Heat the olive oil in a large (5 or 6 quart) soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and onion and cook 5 minutes, stirring. Add the garlic, celery and fennel and cook a few minutes more to soften.
Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, beans, bay leaf, 2 teaspoons salt and black pepper to taste. Pour in 6 cups water and bring to a simmer. Partially cover the pot and cook 25 minutes at a simmer.
Add the green beans and pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Turn off the heat and stir in the greens.
Taste the soup for seasoning. Serve warm with grated cheese.