Description
A hearty and wholesome soup packed with fresh summer vegetables, tender beans, and a touch of Italian herbs, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. This flavorful soup is comforting, light, and perfect for a busy day when you want a healthy meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
4 large tomatoes, diced
2 medium zucchini, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbows)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the vegetable broth, water, diced tomatoes, sliced zucchini, chopped yellow bell pepper, green beans, and drained cannellini beans to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the small pasta and stir well.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
Notes
Swap cannellini beans for chickpeas or kidney beans for a different texture and flavor.
Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Top with freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months (preferably without pasta).
Use canned diced tomatoes (28 oz) if fresh are unavailable.
Cook pasta separately when freezing and add it fresh when reheating.
Add cooked Italian sausage, chicken, or ground beef for a heartier version.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or sprinkle Parmesan before serving to boost flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
