Looking for a cozy meal that the whole family will love? This Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is your answer. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a hearty soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Plus, it’s an easy soup you can throw together and let your slow cooker do the work!
Imagine a bowl of minestrone soup simmering for hours, filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This crockpot minestrone is a vegetable soup that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food. With its fresh ingredients and delightful flavors, it stands out as a family-friendly recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Hearty and Flavorful Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This slow cooker minestrone soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, pasta, and beans, all simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. A wholesome one-pot meal, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, making it perfect for healthy meals any day of the week.
Each bowl showcases a medley of comforting textures and flavors, highlighting the essence of homemade soup. The beauty of using a slow cooker lies in how the ingredients meld together, resulting in a flavorful soup that is both nutritious and delicious. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this easy soup will surely warm your heart.
Ingredients That Shine
The vibrant colors of diced zucchini, carrots, and celery make this dish visually appealing and appetizing. Along with the aromatic garlic and onion, these vegetables contribute to the savory essence of the minestrone soup.
Kidney beans and cannellini beans add protein and texture, while small pasta varieties like ditalini or elbow contribute to the heartiness of the dish. Fresh spinach added just before serving provides a nutritious boost and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation.
The Comfort of Slow Cooking
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. Just prepare your vegetables, toss them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen over the course of several hours. The slow-cooked vegetables absorb the flavors of the broth and herbs, creating a dish that is deeply satisfying.
This slow cooker minestrone offers an effortless way to enjoy a comforting meal. The combination of fragrant herbs like basil and oregano adds depth to the rich broth, making every spoonful a delightful experience.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor. The cheese melts slightly, enhancing the overall richness of the soup.
Pair this hearty soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping, completing the cozy meal experience. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or with family, this minestrone soup is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Health Benefits of Minestrone Soup
This healthy soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables included. The beans add fiber and protein, making it a well-rounded meal option.
Moreover, the slow cooker method ensures that the ingredients retain their nutrients, providing a comforting yet healthy choice for those seeking family-friendly recipes. This minestrone soup is not only satisfying but also supports a wholesome diet.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Recipes?
Slow cooker recipes like this minestrone soup offer convenience and flexibility. They allow for meal prep in advance, making weeknight dinners less stressful. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile option for various tastes and preferences.
By incorporating this flavorful soup into your routine, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a healthy, homemade meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker truly transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, nourishing dish that warms both the stomach and soul.
Hearty and Flavorful Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This slow-cooked vegetable soup is a medley of fresh produce, pasta, and beans, all enveloped in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a wholesome one-pot meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table, making it the perfect option for healthy meals any day of the week.
Each bowl is a blend of comforting textures and flavors, showcasing the best of homemade soup. The slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a flavorful soup that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In your slow cooker, add the diced zucchini, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, add the small pasta to the slow cooker. Stir and cover to cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish with Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal with crusty bread!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Enjoy the classic flavors of slow cooker minestrone soup, a hearty Italian vegetable soup perfect for cozy meals. Packed with slow-cooked vegetables, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth, this one-pot recipe is both healthy and comforting. Easy to prepare, it’s a family-friendly favorite for flavorful, nourishing meals any time.
