Minestrone is one of the most adaptable -- and adapted -- dishes I make. The only beans I have ever put it in it that really didn't work were black (turtle) beans, which actually tasted fine but gave the soup an unpleasant puce colour. It's the only way I can get Himself to eat kale.

If you don't have fresh basil leaves lying around on the day you make it, you can put a dollop of pesto (assuming you have that) in the bowl when reheating it.