I originally published this recipe in 2018 and have since added new photos and a video tutorial. This is vegetable soup and you’re right, it’s not flashy in the slightest. Still, I’m singing its praises because a bowl of this cozy soup is not only healthy, warm, and wholesome, its savory flavors and thickness will keep you full and satisfied. It’s undoubtedly one of my favorite fall dinner recipes. We’ve loved it on cold winter days, especially served in giant homemade bread bowls. It’s a soul-warming vegetarian soup that can easily be vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping the optional parmesan cheese topping.
This Is a Thick Minestrone Soup
This minestrone soup is much heartier than what we’re used to—almost like a chili—which is why I love it so much. The pasta/rice soaks up a lot of liquid, which helps thicken it up. I add a 6-ounce can of tomato paste (not the double-concentrated kind), which is more than most minestrone soup recipes. I also throw in fresh zucchini, carrots, celery, and spinach, plus lots of canned beans. There’s also garlic, onion, diced tomato, and a hefty dose of seasoning. There’s so much color and texture in 1 spoonful, how can you not be satisfied?!
Substitution Suggestions
Whichever vegetables you use, I recommend sticking with the seasonings, tomato paste, and broth; these all make up the flavorful tomato base of the soup.
How to Freeze Minestrone Soup
This soup freezes wonderfully! Freeze in a large freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator the day before eating, then reheat on the stove until warm.
Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
If you want the minestrone soup to cook all day, here are the slow cooker directions. I also included these in the recipe card below. Prepare the soup through step 1 on the stovetop. Transfer to a slow cooker, then add everything else except for the rice/pasta and spinach. Allow to cook for 2 hours on low, then add the rice/pasta and spinach. Cook on low for 1 more hour. You can also use a slow cooker to prepare my sweet potato turkey chili, too. Serve in bread bowls or alongside soft dinner rolls, artisan bread, brown butter sage dinner rolls, homemade breadsticks, asiago-crusted skillet bread, sweet potato dinner rolls, or olive bread. Or, try a new favorite, grilled cheese sandwiches on homemade whole wheat bread.
