Minestrone Soup in the Crockpot is one of those easy crockpot meals that just needs a salad and maybe some bread. Then again, you can just eat the soup for a delicious meal.
You might wonder where Minestrone Soup came from. I know, Olive Garden serves it so, that means that it must be Italian???
If that was your answer, you would be correct - minestrone soup has its roots in Italy and is a regional dish.
The ingredients that are added to the soup vary, depending upon which region in Italy you are in and what grows.
That is one thing I love about Italy - recipes use fresh, seasonal ingredients.
My family really enjoys minestrone soup whether it is a crockpot recipe or Instant Pot Minestrone Soup recipe. For me, it depends upon my mood.
And, don't forget, your Instant Pot can be used as a crockpot. I love it when one appliance serves many purposes!
Minestrone Soup in the Crockpot Step by Step
Place all ingredients except the zucchini and pasta into your crockpot. Photo 1
Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
About 25 mins before cooking time is up and you are ready to serve, add the zucchini, and pasta, and cook on high heat for the remaining 25 mins or until the pasta is tender. Photo 2
Serve and enjoy! Photo 3
What Type of Crockpot Is Best?
I use this 6 qt Crockpot which works very well and has a dial control. I also use this 6 qt Programmable Crockpot and like it mainly because once cooking is complete, it clicks to "Warm".
This "Warm" setting keeps the food hot and at a safe temp until you get home.
If you will be leaving the crockpot for long periods of time, a programmable one is a good investment because it can be set for the length of time and either "Low" or "High" heat.
The Instant Pot also can be used as a crockpot and works very well. So, if you are short on space, that is the way to go!
What is the Difference Between Minestrone and Vegetable Soup?
The main difference is the thickness of the soups. Vegetable soup has, as its name implies, vegetables in it and is normally tomato based.
Minestrone Soup is a thicker soup and contains beans and often pasta in addition to the veggies.
What is the Difference Between Minestrone and Pasta Fagioli?
The main difference between minestrone soup and pasta fagioli soup is that minestrone has lots of veggies in it - different types of veggies.
The following recipe contains carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and zucchini.
Pasta fagioli has tomatoes but no other veggies except often onion and garlic are used for flavor. It contains mainly beans.
Serving Suggestions
Minestrone Soup in the Crockpot can really be served on its own without any side dishes. But, I like to add muffins and sometimes a salad.
Here are my faves:
- Carrot Muffins with Raisins
- Gluten Free Strawberry Muffins
- Healthy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
- Feta Salad with Raisins and Pecans
And, if I am serving a simple green salad, I spruce it up with homemade salad dressing - see How to Make Salad Dressing the Easy Way
Is Minestrone Soup in the Crockpot Gluten Free?
Yes, Minestrone Soup in the Crockpot is gluten free if you use gluten free pasta in it.
If you’ve tried this Minestrone Soup in the Crockpot or any other recipe on Cultured Palate please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, YouTube and TWITTER.
📋 Recipe
Minestrone Soup in the Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups carrots chopped
- 2 cups potatoes chopped
- 1 cups celery chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 cups broth - beef or chicken
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz cannellii beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups zucchini diced
- 1 cup ditalini pasta or other small tubular pasta
Instructions
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Place all ingredients except the zucchini and pasta into your crockpot.
-
Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
-
About 25 mins before cooking time is up and you are ready to serve, add the zucchini, and pasta, and cook on high heat for the remaining 25 mins or until the pasta is tender.
Notes
To freeze: Allow to cool completely and place in freezer bags or container.
Gluten Free Variation: Use gluten free pasta.
Nutrition
Do You Serve a Side With Your Soup or Is It On Its Own?
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