Slow-Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe

Assemble this hearty slow-cooker soup in minutes, and enjoy a homemade meal after a long day. Bursting with vegetables, beans and whole-grain pasta, this is a vegetarian meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

6 cups vegetable broth
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen green beans
4 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon pepper
1 cup cooked (or 2 ounces dry) whole-grain elbow pasta
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Garnish: 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Before you begin: Wash your hands.

1. Combine ingredients, except pasta and baby spinach, in a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
2. Increase heat to high. Stir in pasta and spinach. Cover and cook 15 minutes or until pasta is done.
3. Remove bay leaf before serving. Sprinkle each serving with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1½ cups
Serves 10

Calories: 134; Total Fat: 0.5g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 860mg; Total Carbohydrate: 26g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Protein: 6g.