Featuring a rich tomato base, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta, this Crockpot Minestrone delivers a hearty, flavorful soup that is low in calories, yet will leave you satisfied.
2cupsfresh or frozen green beanscut into 1 inch chunks
3cupsdiced zucchini about 2 medium
1cupdiced carrotabout 2 medium
15ounceskidney beansrinsed and drained
1cupditalini pastaor small shell pasta
3cupsbaby spinach
1tablespoonred wine vinegar
parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
In a large slow cooker, mix the broth, wine, diced tomatoes, marinara, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, bay leaf, onion powder, garlic, celery, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, carrots, and beans.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Turn the slow cooker to high. Add in the pasta and cook for 20-30 minutes until pasta is tender.
Remove the bay leaf, and stir in vinegar and spinach. Place the lid back on the crock pot for 5-10 minutes to let the spinach wilt.
Serve with a generous grating of parmesan if desired.
Video
Notes
No Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce on hand? Use crushed tomatoes plus an additional 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.Gluten-Free Minestrone: For best results, cook your favorite gluten-free noodles on the stove, rather than adding them to the slow cooker to cook. Alcohol-Free Minestrone: Omit the wine and use additional broth in its place.Vegetable Options: Mix and match the vegetables in this soup. Other great options include yellow squash, diced butternut squash, diced sweet potatoes, or peas.Beans: Kidney beans, cannellini beans, or northern white beans all work in Minestrone.Storage: Allow the Minestrone to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, transfer the cooled Minestrone to a freezer-safe container, leaving 1 inch of space for expansion, and freeze the soup for up to 2 months.To reheat: If needed, defrost the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Cook over low heat in a saucepan, adding additional vegetable broth to thin as needed. Alternatively, reheat individual servings in a heat-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel in 60-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until warmed through, adding additional broth or water to thin as needed.