Crockpot Minestrone Soup: The Ultimate Hearty Slow Cooker Classic

If you’re searching for the perfect one-pot comfort food, look no further than this Crockpot Minestrone Soup. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, simmered slowly to bring out rich Italian flavors, all with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker minestrone is a cozy staple that keeps well and satisfies every appetite.

Looking for something similar? You might also enjoy our hearty Easy Lasagna Soup or this rich and savory Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, both are flavorful Italian-style soup options.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Minestrone Soup Recipe

There’s a reason Crockpot Minestrone Soup is a go-to favorite for so many home cooks. Here’s what makes it irresistible:

• Effortless one-pot meal – Just toss everything in the Crockpot and let it do the work.
• Loaded with veggies – A tasty way to sneak more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants into your day.
• Hearty and filling – Thanks to the combination of beans, pasta, and broth, it’s satisfying enough for lunch or dinner.
• Vegetarian & vegan-friendly – Naturally meatless, dairy-free (if you skip the cheese), and easy to customize for plant-based diets.
• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.
• Family-approved – Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters when you chop the veggies smaller.
• Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples like canned beans, pasta, and broth.
• Italian-inspired flavor – It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, especially when paired with garlic bread or a salad.

If you love fuss-free recipes like this, you’ll also appreciate our Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo, another comforting Crockpot dish with Italian flair.

Why Use a Crockpot for Minestrone?

• Hands-off cooking: Add all your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
• Enhanced flavor: Slow simmering melds the flavors beautifully.
• Easy cleanup: Fewer dishes, less mess.
• Perfect for batch cooking: Make extra for leftovers or freezing.

Ingredients for Crockpot Minestrone Soup

Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional, vegetarian Crockpot Minestrone:

Vegetables

• Carrots (chopped)
• Celery (chopped)
• Zucchini (sliced or diced)
• Onion (yellow or white, diced)
• Green beans or spinach
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Beans

• Kidney beans
• Cannellini or Great Northern beans
• Optional: Chickpeas or black beans

Pasta

• Ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni

Broth & Liquids

• Vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken broth
• Tomato paste (optional for richness)

Herbs & Seasonings

• Garlic (minced)
• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Red pepper flakes (for a kick)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional Enhancers

• Parmesan rind (adds deep umami flavor)
• Olive oil (for drizzling at the end)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

For a vegetarian bean-based meal outside of soup, try our Dense Bean Salad Recipe, it’s nutritious and meal-prep friendly.

How to Make Crockpot Minestrone Soup

Here’s a step-by-step method to prepare this one-pot wonder:

1. Chop vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Add ingredients to the crockpot in layers:
   • First: onion, carrots, celery, zucchini
   • Next: tomatoes, beans, broth, herbs
3. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid over-softening.
5. Stir in spinach or kale right before serving.
6. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning as needed.
7. Serve with fresh parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or crusty bread.

Flavor Variations

Want to mix it up? Try these delicious twists:

• Spicy Minestrone – Add sausage or extra red pepper flakes.
• Protein Boost – Add shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.
• Grain Swap – Use quinoa or brown rice instead of pasta.
• Vegan Version – Skip cheese and use vegetable-only broth.
• Low-Carb Version – Omit pasta and increase greens.

What to Serve with Minestrone

Minestrone Soup is a meal on its own, but you can make it even better with:

• Garlic bread or toasted sourdough
• Simple side salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• A sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese and basil on top

Storage and Reheating Tips

Slow cooker minestrone stores wonderfully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Let cool, then store in zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat on stovetop or microwave.
• Pro Tip: Store pasta separately if you’re freezing, this prevents mushy texture.

Nutrition Breakdown

This veggie-packed soup is as good for your body as it is for your soul.

Key Benefits:

• High in fiber – Beans and vegetables support digestion and fullness
• Low in fat – Especially if you skip cheese or sausage
• Heart-healthy – Rich in antioxidants and plant-based ingredients
• Diabetic-friendly – Use whole grains or low-carb swaps
• Low-calorie – Great for weight maintenance

FAQs Crockpot Minestrone Soup

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity every time.

So grab your crockpot, toss in some pantry staples, and enjoy a big bowl of homemade goodness، your future self will thank you.

Explore more Italian-inspired comfort in our Pastina Soup Recipe, or keep the bean love going with our Violet Witchel’s Dense Bean Salad.

Crockpot Minestrone Soup: The Ultimate Hearty Slow Cooker Classic

---

• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty and healthy Crockpot Minestrone Soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta. This slow cooker version is easy, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy comfort food cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
¾ cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

---

Instructions

Add all ingredients except pasta and spinach to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until vegetables are tender.
Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir in chopped spinach just before serving.
Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with optional Parmesan.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
For best texture when freezing, cook pasta separately and add after reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: crockpot minestrone soup, slow cooker vegetable soup, vegetarian soup, Italian soup, healthy soup recipe