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This post is all about Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe.
This healthy slow cooker minestrone soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish packed with vegetables, beans and pasta. It’s perfect for busy days as it cooks slowly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
The recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal hands-on time. You can easily adjust the ingredients to include your favorite vegetables or beans.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of minestrone soup lies in its vibrant ingredients.
Each component adds a unique flavor and texture, creating a delightful medley.
Fresh vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and green beans not only provide essential nutrients but also bring a burst of color to the dish.
Incorporating cannellini beans and small pasta enhances the heartiness of the soup, making it a filling meal.
The rich tomato broth ties everything together, offering a comforting base that warms the soul.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing minestrone soup is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Start by dicing your vegetables and gathering all the ingredients.
This step ensures a smooth cooking process and allows you to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Once everything is prepped, combine the ingredients in a slow cooker.
The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup.
Cooking to Perfection
Cooking minestrone soup in a slow cooker is a game changer.
Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, and let the magic happen.
This hands-off approach means you can go about your day while the soup simmers away, filling your home with an inviting aroma.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta.
This ensures the pasta cooks to perfection, remaining al dente and adding to the overall texture of the soup.
Serving Suggestions
When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
This simple touch adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
For a rustic touch, serve the soup alongside a wooden spoon.
This adds to the cozy kitchen vibe, making the meal feel even more inviting.
Health Benefits of Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is not just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits.
The variety of vegetables provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health.
Beans add protein and fiber, making the soup a balanced meal option.
With low calories and healthy fats, this dish is perfect for those looking to maintain a nutritious diet.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
The setting in which you enjoy your minestrone soup can enhance the experience.
Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering vegetables and spices.
This ambiance invites you to savor each bite and enjoy the warmth of a homemade meal.
Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, a warm bowl of minestrone soup is the perfect comfort food.
It’s a dish that brings people together, making every meal feel special.
Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe
This minestrone soup features a variety of seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans, and small pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth. The recipe takes about 6-8 hours in the slow cooker and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and chop the green beans.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
