Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (2024)

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Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is the perfect comforting homemade meal on a cold winter day. It’s easy to prepare and customizeable with fresh veggies and beans!

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (1)

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Minestrone Soup happens a lot around here during the winter months. We are soup fanatics and actually make soup and stews all year long. They’resuper comforting and perfect for warming up with on a cold day.

One of our favorite soups ever is the minestrone soup from The Olive Garden. Now that we have two little ones, it’sbeen forever since we’ve been to The Olive Garden.

But you know what? I think this homemade copy-cat version is even better than I remember. And it’s even better for you.

3 VARIATIONS OF HOMEMADE MINESTRONE SOUPS

We have three popular versions on our site:

  1. Easy Minestrone Soup – on the stove
  2. Instant Pot Minestrone Soup and
  3. this slow cooker minestrone soup

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (2)

What we love about this slow cooker minestrone soup is how easy it comes together. It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to just dump all the ingredients into your crock-pot on those busy weeknights.

How can you go wrong with a bunch of tasty ingredients you just toss into the slow cooker? All you have to do, is let the slow cooker do it’s thing.

Then a few hours later, you’ve got a tasty set and forget meal. Don’t you just love lunches and dinners like that? As a busy mom of two, I am a big fan of those kinda meals.

And the best part? Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is an easy dump and go recipe. Super hearty, filling and always hits the spot on a chilly winter day.

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (3)

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO YOU NEED TO MAKE SLOW COOKER MINESTRONE SOUP?

Minestrone soup is one of those recipes that is easy to customize. This recipe is loaded with tons of healthy vegetables like:

  • carrots,
  • celery,
  • green beans,
  • zucchini and
  • baby spinach.

And, it’s loaded with plant-based protein like:

  • kidney beans
  • cannellini beans to keep you full for hours.

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (4)

The best part about any soup is that you can easily customize the veggies with what you like or have on hand – so feel free to change things up.

I used small pasta shells to bulk things up even more.

The secret to keep the pasta not soggy is by adding it 30 minutes before you’re going to serve the soup and cook on HIGH.

If you plan on freezing this soup, I would leave out the pasta and cook it separately on the stove whenever you’re planning to serve it. That way, the pasta doesn’t end up getting soggy.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SLOW COOKER MINESTRONE SOUP

  1. Start off by chopping all of your vegetables. Soup is a great way to get rid of any leftover veggies you have in your fridge as well. Or, if you’re in a pinch, your local grocery store may also sell pre-chopped veggies just for soup.
  2. In a large 6 quart slow cooker, add carrots, celery, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaves.

  3. Stir in vegetable broth and water (use less if you like it less watery) into the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours (time varies according to your slow cooker – adjust times as needed).

  4. Stir in spinach and season with more salt and pepper as needed and stir in balsamic vinegar (if using) and serve warm with bread and top with parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.

***NOTE about pasta – **If you plan to freeze this or serve the next day, leave out the pasta and cook on the side and then combine when you are ready to enjoy. This helps the pasta not get soggy.

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (5)

IS HOMEMADE MINESTRONE SOUP FREEZER FRIENDLY?

Yes! If you plan to freeze or serve this soup the next day, leave out the pasta and cook in a separate pot. Then once you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove on low then add the pasta when you are ready to enjoy. Reheating the pasta before you serve the soup helps the pasta not get soggy.

IS HOMEMADE MINESTRONE SOUP HEALTHY?

This soup is packed with a ton of vegetables and legumes and contains tons of vitamins, protein and fiber. It’s also vegan and gluten free if you use a gluten free pasta.

CAN I HAVE MINESTRONE SOUP IF I AM FOLLOWING A PALEO OR LOW CARB / KETO DIET?

To make this minestrone soup low carb, keto and paleo friendly, leave out the pasta, beans and carrots and add cauliflower and green beans instead.

CAN I MAKE MINESTRONE SOUP AHEAD OF TIME OR FOR MEAL PREP?

  • Chop the veggies the day before and store in an airtight container or zip-top bags in the fridge
  • If using dried beans instead of canned, cook and drain ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge
  • Leave out the pasta if freezing this and only add the pasta if you plan on enjoying this on the same day

Minestrone Soup is a sure way to keep you warm and cozy which is perfect if you are feeling under the weather.

Serve it with some crusty bread, a sprinkle of Parmesan and just grab a spoon!

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (6)

4.03 from 48 votes

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (7)

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Homemade Minestrone Soup

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

6 hrs

Total Time

6 hrs 15 mins

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is the perfect comforting homemade meal on a cold winter day. It's easy to prepare and customizeable with fresh veggies and beans!

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: best minestrone soup recipe, easy minestrone recipe, healthy soup recipe, homemade soup recipe, minestrone soup recipe, minestrone soup vegetables, slow cooker minestrone soup recipe, vegetable soup recipe, vegetarian soup recipe, veggie soup recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 134 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots about 1 cup, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks about 1 cup, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion about 1 cup, diced
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 32-ounce can diced tomatoes I usually use fire-roasted or Italian-style
  • 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 32 ounce carton (4 cups) low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1-2 cups water only use as much as needed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 medium zucchinis around 1 1/2 cups, sliced into halves or quarters
  • 1/2 cup canned or cooked red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup canned or cooked cannellini beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small shell dried pasta** use gluten free if necessary or leave out and add chopped potatoes or cauliflower instead**(see note about freezing)
  • 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped (optional)
  • 1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar optional but adds great flavor
  • shredded or grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

FOR THE SLOW COOKER VERSION:

  1. In a large 6 quart slow cooker, add carrots, celery, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaves. Stir in vegetable broth and water (use less if you like it less watery) into the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours (time varies according to your slow cooker - adjust times as needed)

  2. 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, zucchini and pasta and cook on HIGH until pasta is tender.**(SEE NOTE below on freezing)

  3. Stir in spinach and season with more salt and pepper as needed and stir in balsamic vinegar (if using) and serve warm with bread and top with parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.

  4. ***NOTE about pasta - **If you plan to freeze this or serve the next day, leave out the pasta and cook on the side and then combine when you are ready to enjoy. This helps the pasta not get soggy.

FOR THE STOVETOP VERSION:

  1. In a large heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and onion and saute for about 4 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.

  3. Add basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, vegetable broth, water, zucchini and both of the beans.

  4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes.

  5. ** Stir in the pasta and cook for another 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked. Stir in the spinach and allow to wilt (about 1-2 minutes). Add more water as needed if you like a thinner soup. (***you can also cook the pasta directly with the soup but this soaks up more water so you may have to add more water. Just add the pasta after simmering for 20 minutes, then bring to a boil and allow to cook for another 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender)

  6. Season with more salt and pepper as needed and stir in balsamic vinegar (if using) and serve warm with bread and top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

NOTE about pasta - **If you plan to freeze this or serve the next day, leave out the pasta and cook on the side and then combine when you are ready to enjoy. This helps the pasta not get soggy. Save

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Minestrone Soup

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 134

% Daily Value*

Sodium 560mg23%

Potassium 600mg17%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 3375IU68%

Vitamin C 13.9mg17%

Calcium 76mg8%

Iron 2.6mg14%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between minestrone soup and vegetable soup? ›

Minestrone soup is unique because it typically includes beans, pasta, or rice, as well as vegetables, and the ingredients are always left chunky (it's never blended), making it a heartier option. Vegetable soups are usually simpler and don't typically include beans or pasta, and you could have a blended vegetable soup.

What is the thickening agent for minestrone? ›

Use tomato paste for a hearty, thick minestrone

Tomato paste is commonly used as a thickening agent for soups, sauces, stews, and chilis. Think of it as a concentrated tomato sauce that imparts a savory flavor to dishes. You can prepare it at home or buy it in a tube and mix it with other food ingredients as needed.

What can I add to vegetable soup to give it more flavor? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

What are all the ingredients in minestrone soup? ›

Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes. There is no set recipe for minestrone, since it is usually made out of whatever vegetables are in season. It can be vegetarian, contain meat, or contain a meat-based soup base (such as chicken stock).

What is Olive Garden minestrone soup made of? ›

Ingredients- 2 Tbs olive oil; 1 onion diced (1 cup); 1 celery diced; 1 carrot, peeled & diced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 2 tsp minced garlic; 14 oz can diced tomato; 32 oz vegetable stock; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 Tbs Italian seasoning; 2 Tbs tomato paste; 15 oz canned small white beans, rinsed drained; 15 oz canned kidney beans ...

Is stock or broth better for vegetable soup? ›

As a result, stock is usually a healthier product, delivering a richer mouth feel and deeper flavor than broth. Stock is a versatile culinary tool that can deliver taste to any number of dishes. Darker in color and more concentrated in flavor than broth, it's ideal for use in soups, rice, sauces and more.

How to make minestrone soup Gordon Ramsay? ›

Method:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and add the onions, carrots, celery and some seasoning. ...
  2. Add the thyme, bay leaf and bacon. ...
  3. Tip in the borlotti beans and cherry tomatoes, then pour in the chicken stock or water to cover. ...
  4. Add the spaghetti and cook for 10 minutes.
Nov 6, 2023

Why is minestrone soup so good? ›

Made with lots of vegetables, greens and various beans, this dish can provide you with super nutrients that slow aging and help you stay fit. Minestrone has always been a symbol of traditional Italian cuisine and the Mediterranean diet. Made with vegetables, greens and beans, it is a super-healthy mixture.

What makes vegetable soup thicker? ›

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

How do you deepen vegetable soup flavor? ›

A squeeze of citrus, a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of cream, a dusting of cheese or a good chile powder, a sprinkling of some herbs or croutons — all can take a perfectly fine soup into the realm of the delectable. Even a spiral of good olive oil to finish and some coarse sea salt can do wonders.

How do you get the depth of flavor in vegetable soup? ›

Vinegar – A spoonful of vinegar is a quick fix when you find yourself with a bowl of dull, flat-tasting soup. Just a small amount of acid will brighten up the flavors. 2. Soy Sauce – Soy sauce is another item that's ideal for brightening up and adding depth of flavor to an otherwise dull soup.

How to add depth of flavour to vegetable soup? ›

You can also add tomato paste or fresh or dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Starchy root vegetables like potato, parsnips, turnips and swede will add body to the soup and turn it into a true meal in a bowl. Using a good-quality stock (or making your own) will enhance the flavour of the soup.

Why is my minestrone soup bland? ›

Not Adding Acid. If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl.

Does minestrone soup contain potatoes? ›

Hearty and filling vegetarian soup with potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, beans and pasta. Make sure you have the storage for the left-overs.

What is a fun fact about minestrone soup? ›

The word minestrone, meaning a thick vegetable soup, is attested in English from 1871. It is from Italian minestrone, the augmentative form of minestra, "soup", or more literally, "that which is served", from minestrare, "to serve" and cognate with administer as in "to administer a remedy".

What is a thick vegetable soup called? ›

To make potage, you take a variety of vegetables that you grow together in your garden add some meat and then boil it all together with water to form a thick mush. Similar to potage is pottage. Pottage is an ancient thick soup made by boiling vegetables and grains.

Why is it called minestrone soup? ›

Etymology. The word minestrone, meaning a thick vegetable soup, is attested in English from 1871. It is from Italian minestrone, the augmentative form of minestra, "soup", or more literally, "that which is served", from minestrare, "to serve" and cognate with administer as in "to administer a remedy".

Is vegetable soup the healthiest? ›

Vegetable soups offer an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and flavor. Serve as a side or make them the main course – these nutrient-dense dishes are low in calories and carbs but high in satisfaction.

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