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Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe Easy Hearty Comfort Meal

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A cozy, hearty slow cooker minestrone soup that uses simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly nights and busy weekdays. This easy recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal prep and unattended cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta shells (about 100g)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep your veggies: Dice the onion, peel and chop the carrots, slice the celery, mince the garlic, chop zucchini and red bell pepper. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
  3. Transfer to slow cooker: Move the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes with their juices, chopped zucchini, red bell pepper, kidney beans, dried oregano, thyme, and vegetable broth.
  4. Season and stir: Season with salt and pepper (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Stir everything gently to combine.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. Add pasta and spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta shells and fresh spinach. Cover again and let it cook until pasta is tender but not mushy — around 20-30 minutes.
  7. Final touches: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.

Notes

Sautéing vegetables before adding to the slow cooker boosts flavor. Add pasta near the end to avoid mushiness. Adjust seasoning gradually. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated; freeze without pasta for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker minestrone soup, easy minestrone, hearty soup, comfort food, slow cooker recipes, vegetable soup, gluten-free minestrone, vegan minestrone

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/slow-cooker-minestrone-soup-recipe-easy-hearty-comfort-meal/