Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is a comforting dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. This hearty soup combines a flavorful broth seasoned with Italian herbs, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich beans. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is effortlessly made in a slow cooker, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully over time. Enjoy its rich flavors on chilly evenings or serve it at gatherings for a delightful treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process develops deep flavors that make every spoonful satisfying.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or side dish, this soup can be customized with your favorite veggies.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll require:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while developing rich flavors.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface to chop all your fresh ingredients easily.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and efficient chopping of vegetables, making prep time minimal.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Broth and Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (Italian seasoned)
• 6 cups chicken broth

Beans and Pasta

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

Final Touches

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

How to Make Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your vegetables. Dice the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and zucchini into small pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Add all prepared ingredients into the slow cooker except for the ditalini pasta. Stir everything together to combine well. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop fully.

Step 4: Add Pasta Before Serving

About 30 minutes before serving time, stir in the ditalini pasta. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Serve Your Delicious Soup

Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is a delightful experience that elevates the heartiness of this Italian classic. You can enhance your meal with various toppings and sides that complement the flavors of the soup.

Toppings

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan over the soup for a creamy, savory touch.
• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley to add freshness and a pop of color.
• Croutons: Add crunchy croutons on top for texture and extra flavor.

Accompaniments

• Breadsticks: Serve warm breadsticks alongside for dipping; they are perfect for soaking up the broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
• Salad: A light green salad can balance the meal, offering crispness and refreshing flavors.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Bold Flavor: Use high-quality chicken broth for a richer base that enhances all other ingredients.
• Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible; they provide better texture and taste than canned ones.
• Customize Pasta: Feel free to swap out ditalini pasta for another small pasta type like elbow macaroni or orzo based on your preference.
• Season Well: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; taste as you go to find the perfect balance in seasoning.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons for a satisfying side.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction make a refreshing complement to the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide additional nutrients and vibrant colors to your table.
4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft, cheesy biscuits are perfect for dipping and add comfort to your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice provide an additional hearty option that pairs well with the soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon juice can offer a nutritious balance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup even better.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can affect cooking time and texture. Stick to the recipe proportions for best results.
• Not using fresh vegetables: Using wilted or old veggies can diminish flavor. Opt for fresh produce for a vibrant and delicious soup.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can lead to overcooked vegetables. Follow the recommended cooking times for perfect tenderness.
• Adding pasta too early: If you add pasta at the start, it may become mushy. Wait until 30 minutes before serving to ensure it’s cooked al dente.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in a covered dish, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup.

How do I make Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keep all other ingredients plant-based.

Can I add meat to my Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup?

Yes! You can include cooked chicken or beef for added protein. Just ensure it’s cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.

What are some good substitutions for ditalini pasta?

You can use small shells, elbow macaroni, or any small pasta that cooks quickly without becoming mushy.

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

Cooking on low takes about 6 hours, while cooking on high takes around 4 hours. Adjust according to your schedule!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is great when made ahead of time as flavors deepen with storage in the fridge or freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal!

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Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is a warm and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking. This soup is packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and flavorful broth, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in rich flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, this nutritious soup is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

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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 ounces diced tomatoes (Italian seasoned)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
• 15 ounces white cannellini beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare all vegetables by dicing onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and zucchini.
2. In the slow cooker, combine all prepared ingredients except for the ditalini pasta. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta and continue cooking until tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 5mg