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Crock Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

This Crock Pot Minestrone Soup is hearty, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavor — all made with very little effort! Packed with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta, this easy slow cooker recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of homemade soup without spending all day in the kitchen.

Simply toss everything in the slow cooker, let it simmer, and come back to a delicious, veggie-packed meal that everyone will love.

🥣 Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • Effortless comfort food: The crock pot does all the work!
  • Healthy and filling: Full of veggies, beans, and pasta — no heavy cream needed.
  • Perfect year-round: Light enough for summer but cozy enough for cold days.
  • Family-friendly and budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients.

🥕 What Is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian vegetable soup made with a tomato-based broth, beans, and pasta. It’s a great “clean out the fridge” recipe — use whatever veggies you have on hand like carrots, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, and spinach.

This version skips the store-bought canned soup and brings you homemade comfort in every bite. Once you make it yourself, you’ll never go back to the canned kind again!

🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this delicious Crock Pot Minestrone Soup:

  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can red kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz)
  • 8 oz frozen green beans
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • ¾ cup ditalini pasta

💡 Optional toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.

🥄 How to Make Crock Pot Minestrone Soup

  1. Add ingredients to the crock pot:
    Combine everything except the zucchini and pasta in your slow cooker. Stir well to mix.
  2. Cook:
    Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
  3. Add the zucchini and pasta:
    Stir them in and continue cooking on High for about 10–15 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  4. Serve:
    Remove the bay leaves, stir everything together, and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

🍞 Serving Ideas

  • Crusty bread or French baguette: Perfect for soaking up the broth.
  • Garlic cheese breadsticks: Adds a cheesy, garlicky crunch.
  • Grilled cheese sandwich: The ultimate cozy combo.
  • Bread bowls: For an extra fun and hearty presentation!

💡 Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup

  • Rinse your beans before adding them to the pot for better flavor and texture.
  • Use fresh or frozen veggies — whichever you have on hand.
  • Cook the pasta separately if you plan to store or freeze the soup (it absorbs liquid).
  • Make it gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta entirely.
  • Add protein: Stir in cooked sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.

🧊 Storage and Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze (without pasta) for up to 3 months.
    When ready to serve, thaw overnight and reheat on the stove. Add freshly cooked pasta before serving.

🔄 Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Add sausage: Brown Italian sausage and add it for extra flavor.
  • Use chicken broth: For added depth and protein.
  • Swap pasta shapes: Try elbows, shells, or any small pasta you have.

❤️ Why We Love This Recipe

  • So easy to make — just toss and go!
  • A wholesome, guilt-free comfort meal.
  • Perfect for meal prep or freezing ahead.
  • Way better than store-bought soup — with real, fresh flavor in every bite.

📋 Crock Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Soup
Calories: ~270 per serving

Ingredients

(As listed above)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients (except pasta and zucchini) to the crock pot.
  2. Cover and cook on Low 6–8 hours or High 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
  3. Stir in zucchini and pasta; cook on High 10–15 minutes, until pasta is soft.
  4. Remove bay leaves, season to taste, and serve warm.