minestrone soup recipe crock pot

Minestrone Soup Recipe

This minestrone soup recipe is a hearty, comforting Italian classic made with vegetables, beans, pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth. Inspired by authentic Italian minestrone soup recipes, this version is wholesome, flexible, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you are looking for a healthy minestrone soup recipe, a vegan minestrone soup recipe, or something better than the Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe, this homemade soup delivers deep flavor and satisfying texture in every bowl. Explore similar recipes like Minestrone Soup Recipe for any occasion.

minestrone soup recipe
minestrone soup recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (potatoes, zucchini, squash, green beans, or peas)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, or orecchiette)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups spinach, kale, or collard greens, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Directions

  • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  • Add seasonal vegetables, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Stir and cook until aromatic.
  • Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water. Add bay leaves, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and remaining salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer partially covered for 15 minutes, then add pasta, beans, and greens. Continue cooking uncovered until pasta is al dente and greens are tender.
  • Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and stir in lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan if desired.

Tips and Variations

  • For a beef minestrone soup recipe or minestrone soup recipe with sausage, brown meat at the beginning before adding vegetables.
  • For a crock pot minestrone soup recipe, cook on low for 6–8 hours, adding pasta in the final 30 minutes.
  • This soup freezes well and often tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
minestrone soup recipe italian
minestrone soup recipe italian

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls