Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup – Hearty and Healthy Recipe
This Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is the perfect blend of hearty vegetables, beans, and pasta. It's a comforting, healthy meal that's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day. As the soup simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this minestrone is sure to be a hit. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that can easily be customized with your favorite veggies!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Effortless Preparation – Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it simmer.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with vegetables, beans, and whole grains for a balanced meal.
- Rich, Bold Flavors – Slow cooking enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Customizable – Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or beans to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Freezer-Friendly – Freeze leftovers for a quick, nutritious meal anytime.
- Comforting and Hearty – It’s a warm, satisfying dish, perfect for colder days.
- Family-Friendly – A dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.
- Vegetarian – Naturally meat-free, with options to add protein if desired.
- Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Key Ingredients
- Vegetable Broth – Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- Carrots – Provides natural sweetness and texture.
- Celery – Adds crunch and flavor.
- Zucchini – A classic veggie for minestrone.
- Canned Beans (such as kidney or cannellini beans) – Adds protein and heartiness.
- Pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow) – Makes the soup filling and comforting.
- Onion – Enhances the savory flavor.
- Garlic – Brings a warm, aromatic depth.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs to elevate the soup’s flavor.
- Spinach or Kale – Adds a healthy, leafy green component.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic – For extra depth of flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Use Fresh Herbs – If possible, finish the soup with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Add the Pasta Later – To prevent pasta from getting mushy, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust Consistency – If the soup is too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Customize the Veggies – Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, green beans, or peas work great.
- Boost Protein – For more protein, add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or extra beans.
- Add Parmesan Rind – Toss in a Parmesan cheese rind while the soup cooks for added richness.
- Season Gradually – Taste and adjust the seasoning toward the end of cooking for the best flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely for a lighter option.
- Freeze Leftovers – This soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze it and add fresh when reheating.
Recipes You'll Enjoy...
This Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is the perfect blend of hearty vegetables, beans, and pasta. It's a comforting, healthy meal that's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day. As the soup simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this minestrone is sure to be a hit. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that can easily be customized with your favorite veggies!
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can or 15oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 medium zucchini (diced)
- 1 can or 15oz kidney beans (or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups baby spinach (or kale)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Prep the Ingredients
Dice the onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. Drain and rinse the beans.
- Optional – Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes, until soft and fragrant. This step is optional but enhances the flavor.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Add the sautéed onions and garlic (if sautéing), carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juices), beans, Italian seasoning, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on Low or High
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Pasta and Greens
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the pasta and spinach (or kale) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook until the pasta is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Rest and Serve
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- Calories from Fat 45kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 750mg32%
- Potassium 900mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 12g48%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.