Okay, folks, let’s talk easy dinners! I’m all about meals that practically cook themselves, you know? And nothing beats a slow cooker for that. Especially when you can toss in a bunch of good-for-you veggies and end up with something the whole family actually loves. That’s where this Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup comes in.
Seriously, it’s hearty, it’s healthy, and it’s so darn easy, it’s almost embarrassing. My kids? They slurp it up every time. Even my picky eater, bless his heart, asks for seconds! It’s like a veggie miracle in a bowl. I swear, this Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Okay, so why am I so obsessed with this soup? Let me tell you! It’s not just good, it’s seriously convenient. I mean, who doesn’t love a dump-and-go recipe? But there’s more to it than just ease!
Benefits of Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Quick Prep: Seriously, chopping the veggies is the hardest part, and even that’s not bad.
- Minimal Clean Up: One pot, baby! Enough said.
- Budget-Friendly: We’re talking pantry staples and affordable veggies. Winning!
- Customizable: Throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Seriously, it’s like a clean-out-the-fridge party in your slow cooker!
- Packed with Vegetables: Sneak those veggies in, Mama! The kids will never know.
- Healthy and Delicious: It’s good for you AND tastes amazing. What more could you want?
Ingredients for Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this soup is that you probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry. But just in case, here’s the rundown of everything you’ll need to make this magic happen!
What You’ll Need for Your Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, because garlic is life!)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (I eyeball it, but that’s the general idea)
- 28 ounce can diced tomatoes (Italian seasoned) – trust me on this one!
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 15 ounce can dark red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 15 ounce can white cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta you like!)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese and parsley for topping (because, yum!)
How to Make Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get this show on the road? This is where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s so simple, you could practically do it in your sleep. (But, you know, maybe stay awake for this part.)
Preparing Your Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- First, grab your slow cooker (I use a 6-quart one, but anything similar will work just fine!). Dump in everything except the pasta. That’s right, the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Give it a good stir, and season with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really brings out the flavor!
- Pop the lid on that bad boy and set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Honestly, I usually do low because I like to let the flavors really meld together, but if you’re in a hurry, high works too! Just keep an eye on it, okay?
- Now, here’s the crucial part: about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, toss in the ditalini pasta. Give it another stir to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick. Replace the lid and let it cook until the pasta is tender. Nobody likes mushy pasta, so keep an eye on it!
- Finally, the best part! Ladle that gorgeous soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley. Seriously, don’t skimp on the parmesan – it makes all the difference! And bam! Dinner is served!
Tips for the Perfect Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Want to take your Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make all the difference. Trust me on these – they’re game changers!
Expert Tips for Your Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Seriously, this is key. Nobody likes mushy pasta swimming in their soup. Add it 30 minutes before serving and keep an eye on it. You want it al dente, with just a little bite.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Give the soup a taste before adding the pasta and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
- Use fresh herbs for extra flavor. If you’ve got some fresh basil, oregano, or thyme on hand, toss it in! It’ll add a burst of flavor that’ll take this soup to the next level. Just chop them up and stir them in right before serving.
- Customize with your favorite veggies! This soup is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with your veggies. Got some leftover bell peppers? Throw ’em in! Want to add some spinach or kale? Go for it! The possibilities are endless!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Okay, let’s talk swapsies! This Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is super flexible, so don’t feel like you’re stuck with exactly what’s on the list. Got something else in the fridge? Go for it! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Customizing Your Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option: Easy peasy! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the parmesan on top. Boom! Vegetarian deliciousness.
- Different types of beans: Cannellini and kidney beans are my go-tos, but feel free to experiment! Great Northern beans, chickpeas… whatever floats your boat!
- Gluten-free pasta: Got a gluten sensitivity? No problem! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just watch it carefully, gluten-free pasta can get mushy faster!
- Add greens like spinach or kale: Want to sneak in even MORE veggies? (I see you, health nut!) Throw in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt right down and add a boost of nutrients.
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Soup’s on! But what goes *with* soup? I’ve got a few ideas to make this a complete and satisfying meal. Because let’s be honest, soup alone sometimes just doesn’t cut it, right?
What to Serve with Your Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Crusty bread: Duh! For dipping, for sopping up all that delicious broth… need I say more?
- Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Okay, this is my personal favorite. A warm, gooey grilled cheese is the *perfect* companion to a bowl of minestrone. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Your Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Leftovers? If you have any (which is a big “if” in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly. Luckily, this soup keeps like a champ! Here’s the lowdown on how to keep it fresh and delicious.
Storing and Reheating Tips for Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Storage: Once the soup has cooled down a bit, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. You know, if you don’t eat it all before then!
- Reheating: You’ve got options! You can either microwave it (easy peasy!) or reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Just make sure to stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. And that’s it! Lunch (or dinner) is served… again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! I know, sometimes recipes can be a little confusing, so I’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions I get about my Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup. Hopefully, this clears things up!
Common Questions About Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Can I freeze this soup? You betcha! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers (leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen!). It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just be aware the pasta might be a little softer after freezing.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! That’s the beauty of minestrone – it’s super versatile. Feel free to throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Potatoes, green beans, corn… the possibilities are endless! Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the veggies you use.
- Can I make this on the stovetop? Yep! If you’re short on time, you can definitely make this soup on the stovetop. Just sauté the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in a large pot until softened, then add the remaining ingredients (except the pasta). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the pasta and cook until it’s al dente. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m no nutritionist! Just a regular cook. So, the nutritional info below is just an estimate. It can totally change depending on what brands and ingredients you use, okay?
Disclaimer on Nutritional Information of Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Just a heads-up that the nutrition info is an estimate. It might not be spot-on, since it all depends on what you toss in there! But hey, it’s still gonna be good for ya!
Enjoy Your Delicious Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup!
Share Your Experience with Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Alright, that’s it from me! Now it’s your turn. Go whip up a batch of this amazing soup and let me know how it goes! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or snap a pic and share it on social media. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Print
Incredible Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup in Just 6 Hours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This healthy slow cooker minestrone soup is packed with vegetables and flavor. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 28 ounce diced tomatoes (Italian seasoned)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 15 ounce dark red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 15 ounce white cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese and parsley for topping
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except pasta to the slow cooker and stir. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, add pasta, replace cover and cook until pasta is tender.
- Top with parmesan cheese and parsley to serve.
Notes
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock and skip cheese for vegetarian soup.
- Add any veggies you like: potatoes, kale, spinach, green beans, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, etc.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Slow cookers vary; adjust cooking times as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 257kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 683mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
