Hearty Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

Cozy Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Soup season beckons with a comforting instant pot minestrone soup that promises warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

This classic Italian-inspired dish bursts with vibrant vegetables and robust seasonings.

The robust instant pot minestrone soup delivers a nutritious meal packed with wholesome ingredients.

Tender beans, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs mingle together to create a deeply satisfying experience.

Each bite tells a story of rustic cooking and nourishing traditions.

The soup comes together effortlessly, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal.

Ladle this delightful minestrone into bowls and watch as hungry faces light up with anticipation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s In Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

For Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Onion: Adds sweet, savory foundation with deep caramelized undertones when cooked perfectly.
  • Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to the soup's complex taste.
  • Celery: Contributes subtle earthy notes and delightful crunch to the vegetable mix.
  • Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent flavor that elevates the entire soup's taste experience.
  • Oregano: Introduces warm, slightly bitter Mediterranean herb essence.
  • Basil: Offers fresh, aromatic green herb complexity to the soup.
  • Thyme: Provides delicate, minty undertones that complement vegetable medley.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies all ingredient flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and subtle spiciness.
For Vegetables and Protein:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy liquid base with bright acidic notes.
  • Zucchini: Adds tender texture and mild, slightly sweet vegetable character.
  • Green Beans: Brings crisp texture and fresh garden flavor.
  • Kidney Beans: Provides hearty protein and creamy, dense texture.
  • White Beans: Contributes smooth, buttery protein element.
For Finishing and Serving:
  • Vegetable Broth: Forms liquid foundation with balanced vegetable depth.
  • Pasta: Adds satisfying, filling component to complete soup.
  • Spinach or Kale: Introduces vibrant green color and nutrient-dense leafy element.

Cooking Tools For Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking and sauteing the soup ingredients quickly.
  • Large wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for vegetable preparation.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, herbs, and seasonings.

Steps To Cook Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up your Instant Pot and drizzle in olive oil. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, letting them dance and soften. Sprinkle in garlic for a quick sizzle, then add a burst of herbs to wake up the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

  • Build the Soup's Foundation

Dump in juicy tomatoes, a mix of hearty beans, chunky zucchini, and crisp green beans. Pour in rich broth and sprinkle pasta for a complete meal. Give everything a good stir to mingle the ingredients.

  • Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Cook on high pressure for a quick 4 minutes, transforming raw ingredients into a steaming, comforting soup.

  • Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Stir in vibrant greens like spinach or kale. Splash in a dash of tangy vinegar or bright lemon juice to lift the flavors. Let the greens gently wilt into the hot soup.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Taste and tweak the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and crown with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Dive into a bowl of pure comfort.

Tasty Additions For Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Smart Meal Prep: Cook a double batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
  • Veggie Swap Magic: Replace zucchini with butternut squash or swap green beans for chopped bell peppers to keep the soup exciting and seasonal.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add diced chicken, cooked Italian sausage, or plant-based protein crumbles to boost nutrition and create a heartier meal.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with quinoa or rice to make the soup celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.

How To Serve Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Italian Garden Party Plating: Serve in rustic ceramic bowls surrounded by fresh basil sprigs and crusty sourdough bread slices for an authentic trattoria-style presentation.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, allowing it to slightly melt into the warm soup for extra richness and depth of flavor.
  • Herb Garnish Delight: Add a colorful final touch by scattering chopped fresh parsley, basil, or oregano over each serving, which enhances both visual appeal and aromatic profile of the minestrone.
  • Winter Comfort Companion: Pair with a small side of warm garlic bread or crispy croutons to provide delightful textural contrast and make the meal more satisfying during cooler months.

How To Store Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before refrigerating to maintain best flavor and texture.
  • Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently on stovetop, adding splash of broth to restore original consistency. Microwave works too, stirring halfway through heating.
  • Freezer Meal Preparation: Package in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes wonderfully up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches. Perfect for busy weekdays and meal prep enthusiasts.
Print
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Hearty Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

Hearty Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty minestrone soup delivers Italian comfort straight from your pressure cooker’s depths. Nourishing vegetables, tender beans, and aromatic herbs combine for a warming meal that welcomes you to savor each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
  • 1.5 cups green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 0.75 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.75 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Foundation: Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté mode. Coat the base with olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft and translucent. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence briefly.
  2. Herbal Infusion: Sprinkle oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper across the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute herbs evenly and create a robust flavor base.
  3. Soup Assembly: Combine diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, zucchini, and green beans into the pot. Pour vegetable broth over the ingredients and gently mix in pasta, ensuring complete integration.
  4. Pressure Cooking: Seal the Instant Pot lid with valve positioned to sealing. Execute a high-pressure cook cycle for 4 minutes. Upon completion, perform a swift and controlled pressure release.
  5. Final Touches: Incorporate spinach or kale, allowing them to gently wilt in the hot liquid. Enhance the soup’s brightness with a splash of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls. Crown with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped herbs for an elegant and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Optimize Vegetable Sautéing: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Control Pasta Consistency: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture, which prevents the pasta from becoming soggy and absorbing too much liquid.
  • Customize Dietary Adaptations: Easily transform the recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles, and ensure bean varieties accommodate specific nutritional needs.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider roasting vegetables beforehand or using fire-roasted tomatoes to introduce a smoky undertone, elevating the soup’s complexity and creating a more robust taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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