Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone Soup
A winter classic, this crock pot version of minestrone is heavy on the vegetables and light on the pasta, keeping carbs in check while providing plenty of flavor.
Ingredients
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4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
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3 stalks celery, chopped
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1 small red onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 (15 ounce) cans no-sodium-added red kidney beans, rinsed
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2 (15 ounce) cans no-sodium-added diced tomatoes, undrained
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6 cups no-sodium-added vegetable broth, such as Kitchen Basics
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2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
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¾ teaspoon salt, divided
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½ teaspoon ground pepper
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1 large zucchini, chopped
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4 ounces whole-wheat pasta elbows or other small pasta (about 1 cup)
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Description
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Combine carrots, celery, onion, garlic, green beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a 6- to 8-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
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Stir in zucchini, pasta, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook on Low until the pasta is tender, 15 to 20 minutes more. Serve immediately, topping each serving with about 1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan.