Name: Amazing Cozy Crockpot Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked; 3 large carrots, diced (~1½ cups); 5 stalks celery, chopped (~1½ cups); ½ medium yellow onion, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, minced (~2½ tsp); 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto (optional); 8 small/medium red potatoes or 3–4 small Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (~1½ cups); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 bay leaves; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups water; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed; 2½ cups frozen baby spinach; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup frozen green beans; 1½ cups cooked pasta or tortellini (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Description

A steaming bowl of Crockpot Minestrone Soup brings memories of rich flavors and warm kitchens, featuring fresh vegetables and savory thyme, perfect for busy families and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Italian sausage, cooked
3 large carrots, diced (~1½ cups)
5 stalks celery, chopped (~1½ cups)
½ medium yellow onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced (~2½ tsp)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto (optional)
8 small/medium red potatoes or 3–4 small Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (~1½ cups)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
2½ cups frozen baby spinach
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup frozen green beans
1½ cups cooked pasta or tortellini (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

In the crockpot, combine cooked Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomato pesto (if using), carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Stir everything gently to combine.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
About 20 minutes before serving, stir in kidney beans, great northern beans, zucchini, green beans, and spinach. Cover and cook until the spinach wilts.
If using cooked pasta or tortellini, stir it in just before serving.
Fish out the bay leaves, taste the soup, and adjust seasonings. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For firmer vegetables, choose the higher cooking times. Use fresh herbs at the end for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 30mg