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Cozy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Featured in Comforting Soups & Stews.

This flavorful minestrone soup is slow-cooked to perfection, pulling together a mix of beans, pasta, and fresh veggies in a rich broth with Italian seasonings. Cooking it slowly brings out deep flavors, and the vegetables stay tender without losing their shape. Pasta and fresh greens are added later for the perfect texture. It’s a flexible dish—sub in seasonal veggies, go gluten-free by skipping the pasta, or add meat for extra protein. Great for leftovers and meal prep, as it’s even tastier the next day.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:40:58 GMT
Comforting Slow Cooker Minestrone Pin it
Comforting Slow Cooker Minestrone | cuisinegenial.com

Classic Italian minestrone transforms simple vegetables into a rich, hearty soup using the slow cooker method. Every bowl features tender vegetables, creamy beans, and perfectly cooked pasta in a savory broth that develops deep flavors during gentle, all-day cooking.

Born from a traditional family recipe, this slow cooker adaptation creates an even richer flavor as ingredients slowly meld together. The gentle, sustained heat brings out the best in every component.

Key Ingredients

  • Olive Oil: Quality extra virgin
  • Vegetables: Evenly chopped
  • Kidney Beans: Thoroughly rinsed
  • Cannellini Beans: Adds smooth texture
  • Canned Tomatoes: One 15 oz can
  • Garlic: Fresh minced
  • Pasta: Small shapes like ditalini
  • Spinach: Fresh baby leaves
  • Herbs: Fresh for garnish
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated

Preparation Method

1. Prep Vegetables:
Cut onions, carrots, celery into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince garlic. Cut zucchini larger to prevent overcooking. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking.
2. Layer Ingredients:
Place vegetables in 6-quart slow cooker: onions, carrots, celery, garlic. Add beans, tomatoes, seasonings, broth. Combine gently.
3. Slow Cook:
Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until vegetables reach ideal tenderness. Add zucchini in final hour.
4. Cook Pasta:
Stir in pasta for last 20-30 minutes until al dente. Timing varies by pasta shape.
5. Finish:
Add spinach at end, letting heat wilt leaves naturally. Adjust seasonings. Top with herbs and Parmesan.
Homemade Minestrone Soup Pin it
Homemade Minestrone Soup | cuisinegenial.com

The slow cooking process allows flavors to develop naturally while maintaining the texture of each ingredient.

Minestrone Soup Pin it
Minestrone Soup | cuisinegenial.com

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate in sealed containers up to 5 days. For freezing, omit pasta and add fresh when reheating. Portion before freezing, stores up to 3 months. Add broth when reheating as soup thickens naturally.

Serving Suggestions

Serve steaming hot with crusty bread during cold months. For warmer weather, enjoy at a moderate temperature alongside fresh greens.

Easy Homemade Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} Pin it
Easy Homemade Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} | cuisinegenial.com

Recipe Variations

Adapt based on seasonal produce - summer brings peppers and corn, autumn offers squash, winter welcomes cabbage. Experiment with different beans and seasonal herbs. Traditional minestrone welcomes creativity with available ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I put the pasta in at the start?
Nope, it’s best to toss the pasta in about 30 minutes before eating so it doesn’t get too soft.
→ What’s the best way to keep the leftovers?
Pop the soup into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Keep in mind the pasta may soak up more broth.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Just leave the pasta out before freezing. Add fresh pasta when you reheat.
→ What’s a good substitute for spinach?
Try kale or Swiss chard. They’ll need a few extra minutes to soften when cooking.
→ Can vegans enjoy this soup?
Absolutely. Just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan-friendly option.

Slow-Cooked Minestrone

This Italian-inspired veggie soup is a breeze to make in the slow cooker, combining beans, pasta, and loads of fresh vegetables.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
360 Minutes
Total Time
375 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 tablespoon of olive oil
02 1 onion, finely diced
03 2 celery sticks, chopped
04 2 carrots, cut into small cubes
05 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
06 1 zucchini, diced into small pieces

→ Canned and Liquid

07 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
08 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
09 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and cleaned
10 4 cups of vegetable stock
11 1 cup of water

→ Seasonings

12 1 teaspoon of dried basil
13 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
14 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
15 1/2 teaspoon of salt
16 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme

→ Add-Ins

17 2 cups of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
18 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
19 1/2 cup of tiny pasta, like elbow or ditalini

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the olive oil, onion, celery, garlic, and carrots into the slow cooker. Stir it all up to mix.

Step 02

Add the zucchini, tomatoes, beans, vegetable stock, water, and seasonings. Cover the cooker and let it simmer on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Step 03

About 30 minutes before you're ready to eat, add the pasta and let it cook till it's soft.

Step 04

Right before you serve, throw in the chopped spinach and stir till it wilts. Serve warm and top with Parmesan cheese if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Swap in gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether to make this gluten-free.
  2. Customize the veggies depending on what's in season.
  3. You can add some cooked meat if you'd like to include extra protein.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes wheat in the pasta
  • Includes dairy if you add Parmesan cheese

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 12 g