Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This comforting Italian soup is packed with fresh vegetables, nutrient-rich beans, and delightful ditalini pasta, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. The slow cooker makes preparation easy, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Enjoy a rich and satisfying broth infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and fresh veggies.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or beans to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with fiber and nutrients, this minestrone soup is a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment can make all the difference when preparing Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This essential appliance allows you to cook ingredients slowly at low temperatures, enhancing flavors and saving you time.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for uniform cooking times across all ingredients.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 medium zucchini (diced)

Seasonings and Broth

• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 28 ounce diced tomatoes (I use Italian seasoned)
• 6 cups chicken broth

Beans and Pasta

• 15 ounce dark red kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
• 15 ounce white cannellini beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Toppings

• salt & pepper (to taste)
• Parmesan cheese and parsley for topping

How to Make Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your vegetables and ingredients. Dice the onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add all the prepared ingredients except for the pasta into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 3: Set Cooking Time

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until all vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add Pasta Before Serving

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the ditalini pasta to the slow cooker. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your warm bowl of Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it at a family dinner or hosting friends, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Adding fresh basil or parsley on top enhances the soup’s aromatic flavors, providing a vibrant touch and fresh taste.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the flavor profile, adding richness and depth to each bowl.

Accompanied by Salad

• Serving alongside a simple green salad adds freshness and crunch, making for a well-rounded meal.

With Grated Cheese

• Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

Side of Garlic Bread

• Garlic bread serves as a delightful side that provides additional flavor and is perfect for dipping into the soup.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

To make your Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh produce enhances the taste and texture of your soup. Choose seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a more personalized flavor.

• Add More Beans: For added protein and texture, consider including additional varieties of beans like chickpeas or black beans.

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Aim for al dente texture.

• Experiment with Broth: Try using homemade broth or vegetable broth for a richer, more flavorful base.

• Let it Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a short while after cooking helps all flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

When enjoying Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side is easy to prepare and offers a delicious way to enjoy the soup’s rich broth.

2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness to your meal.

3. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables provides variety and flavor.

4. Cheesy Breadsticks: These warm breadsticks topped with cheese complement the soup wonderfully while being fun to eat.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonally roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition alongside your hearty soup dish.

6. Stuffed Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with grains or meats offer a filling addition that pairs well with minestrone.

7. Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed greens balance out the richness of the soup while adding crunch.

8. Pesto Flatbread: A flatbread drizzled with pesto brings herbal notes that enhance the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is a hearty dish, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the texture: Not cooking the pasta properly can lead to mushy results. Add it towards the end of the cooking time for the best texture.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking all ingredients too long can make veggies lose their crunch. Be mindful about timing when adding them.
• Skimping on seasoning: Failing to season adequately can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the broth quality: Using subpar chicken broth can diminish the soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality or homemade broth for richer taste.
• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to meld. Letting it sit for a few minutes enhances the overall taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skipping any meat additions.

Can I add more vegetables to my Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your soup with seasonal vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or green beans.

What type of beans are best for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup?

Both red kidney beans and cannellini beans work well, but you can also use other varieties like navy beans or chickpeas.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup?

Cooking time is approximately 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high, making it perfect for busy days!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy the cozy warmth it brings!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is a delightful and nourishing Italian classic that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup features a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, flavorful beans, and ditalini pasta, all simmered in a rich broth that warms the soul. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on your day. Whether served at a family dinner or during a casual gathering with friends, this wholesome soup is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 medium zucchini (diced)
• 28 oz diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 15 oz dark red kidney beans
• 15 oz white cannellini beans
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients: Dice the onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, and mince the garlic.
2. Combine in slow cooker: Add all prepared vegetables and beans (except pasta), diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Set cooking time: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until vegetables are tender.
4. Add pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, add ditalini pasta and stir.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 5mg