Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

**Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup**

Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Try this Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup recipe! Packed full of veggies, beans, and pasta, this soup is a great way to warm up on a chilly day.

**Ingredients:**
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup chopped carrots
– 1 cup chopped celery
– 1 cup chopped onion
– 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chopped zucchini
– 1 cup chopped green beans
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ditalini pasta

**Instructions:**
1. In a slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onion, kidney beans, cannellini beans, zucchini, green beans, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in ditalini pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!

**Nutrition Information:**
– Serving size: 1 cup
– Calories: 200
– Total Fat: 1g
– Saturated Fat: 0g
– Cholesterol: 0mg
– Sodium: 500mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 40g
– Dietary Fiber: 10g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 9g

**Popular questions:**
1. Is it necessary to use a slow cooker for this recipe?
– Using a slow cooker helps to develop the flavors and ensures a well-cooked soup, but you can also make it on the stovetop.
2. Can I use different types of beans?
– Yes, feel free to use your favorite beans or whatever you have on hand.
3. Can I add meat to this soup?
– You can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty version of this soup.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
– Yes, this soup freezes well for future meals. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
5. Can I use different pasta shapes?
– Absolutely, feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
– Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
7. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
– Use gluten-free pasta or rice in place of the ditalini pasta.
8. Can I adjust the seasonings to my taste?
– Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
9. Can I make this soup spicier?
– Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat to the soup.
10. Can I make this soup creamy?
– Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy version of this soup.

**Helpful tips:**
1. Add a parmesan rind to the soup for added flavor.
2. Top the soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
4. Make a double batch of the soup and freeze it in individual portions for easy meal prep.
5. Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving for extra richness.
6. Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor.
7. Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
8. To make the soup more filling, add cooked quinoa or barley.
9. For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
10. Don’t skip the garlic in this recipe, as it adds depth of flavor to the soup.

**Expert Secrets:**
1. For deeper flavors, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
3. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.
4. Let the soup sit for a few hours after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add a tablespoon of pesto before serving for a burst of freshness.
6. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
7. Toast the pasta in a dry skillet before adding it to the soup for extra nuttiness.
8. Make a double batch of the soup and can it for pantry-stable meals.
9. Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
10. Drizzle with a high-quality olive oil before serving for a luxurious finish.

SAVE IT FOR LATER IN PINTEREST