As the cool breeze of fall settles in and schedules get busier with after-school activities, practices, and meetings, it’s comforting to know you can come home to a hearty, nourishing meal that practically cooks itself.
Enter this Chicken Minestrone Soup, a filling, high-protein, and high-fiber dish that’s perfect for a cozy fall evening.
This soup is packed with flavor and nutrition, featuring protein from beans and chicken, fiber-rich veggies, and satisfying pasta. Best of all, it’s a perfect “set it and forget it” meal that makes your evenings easier. Plus, it leaves you with leftovers that are just as tasty the next day for lunch!
What You Will Need:
This hearty soup is packed with pantry staples and kitchen favorites, making it both convenient and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
Beans: In the picture I have shown red kidney beans and great northern beans, I used half a can of each variety, but feel free to use only one can of your favorite to save on waste. Love those beans to add more fiber to the recipe!
Onions, Carrots, and Celery: The classic trio that forms the base of most delicious soups, adding depth and heartiness.
Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic brings extra flavor and aromatic goodness. In this recipe, I used minced garlic from a jar.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, add natural sweetness and acidity, and offer a convenient way to boost flavor and nutrition in meals.
Pasta: Use your favorite pasta variety to customize the dish—I opted for large macaroni noodles for a hearty texture.
Vegetable Broth: Vegetable stock provides a rich, savory base for soups and stews, and can easily be substituted with chicken stock for added depth of flavor.
Dried Herbs: Dried rosemary, oregano, and bay leaves add depth, warmth, and a savory herbal flavor to dishes, enhancing both taste and aroma.
Pesto: Use your favorite jarred pesto and a couple of tablespoons of pesto adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor and richness to elevate the dish.
Zucchini: High in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition that adds a subtle, fresh flavor to the soup.
Shredded Cooked Chicken: Adding shredded cooked chicken boosts the protein content, making the soup more filling and satisfying, while complementing the flavors perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese: A bit of freshly grated Parmesan adds a creamy, salty finish to the soup.
My Nutrition Highlights
I love soups because they’re so filling, and this recipe is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and protein, making it the perfect meal when my family comes home starving.
- Beans: One cup of beans contains about 15 grams of fiber, along with a rich supply of antioxidants that support digestive and overall health.
- Canned tomato products: Canned tomato products are a convenient and nutritious addition to meals, rich in vitamins A and C, and high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. They also retain their nutrients through the canning process, making them a quick and easy way to boost the flavor, fiber, and nutritional value of soups, sauces, and stews year-round.
Within minutes, I can serve a hearty, satisfying bowl that everyone enjoys. For the kids, I like to add some breadsticks or dinner rolls for dipping, which pairs perfectly with the delicious flavors of the soup.
Easy Prep Tips
This recipe is super family-friendly, not just because it’s delicious, but also because it’s a great opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen!
Using a veggie chopper can simplify the prep work, making it a fun and easy job for little hands. Kids can help dice the carrots, celery, zucchini, and onions with supervision. It’s a wonderful way to teach them cooking skills and make them feel proud of helping with dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- High in Protein & Fiber: This soup is loaded with protein from the chicken and beans, making it filling and satisfying. The vegetables and beans add a generous dose of fiber to keep you full longer.
- Great for Busy Nights: The crock pot does all the hard work, making this a perfect solution for nights when you’re juggling activities and need dinner ready when you get home.
- Leftovers for Lunch: The flavors deepen overnight, making this soup even better the next day. Pack it in a thermos for a simple, healthy lunch that’s just as comforting.
This slow cooker chicken minestrone soup will become your go-to fall recipe when you want something warm, hearty, and nutritious. Pair it with breadsticks for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for the whole family—easy to make, delicious to eat, and a great way to involve the kids!
Enjoy those cozy evenings with this soup waiting for you at home after a long, busy day.
Slow Cooker Chicken Minestrone Soup
Description
Warm up with this hearty Crock Pot Chicken Minestrone Soup! Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, it's the perfect easy, cozy fall meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prep the Veggies: Use a veggie chopper to quickly dice the carrots, celery, zucchini, and onion. If you have kids in the kitchen, this is the perfect task for them!
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Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, pesto, stock, zucchini, seasonings and bay leaf into the slow cooker.
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- Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld together, giving you a rich, flavorful soup without much effort.
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Add Pasta: About 20 to 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in the pasta and let it cook until tender.
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Serve: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, and don't forget the breadstick on the side for the kids to dip!
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 224kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g5%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 578mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 7g29%
- Protein 21g42%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Serving size: 2 cups
