This easy Instant Pot Minestrone soup is perfect for cozy evenings or busy weeknights. It’s a healthy comfort food packed with fresh vegetables and hearty beans that will warm you up from the inside out. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is quick to prepare and delivers robust flavors in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easily customizable to include your favorite veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot cooks this soup in just 10 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is rich in vitamins and fiber.
- Versatile Meal: You can swap in any of your favorite vegetables or beans, allowing for endless variations.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and tomatoes creates a deliciously comforting broth that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to make this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: A must-have for quick cooking; it speeds up the process while retaining flavors.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts, making prep quicker and safer.
Ingredients
This easy Instant Pot Minestrone soup is perfect, healthy comfort food!
Vegetables
- 2 small onions (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 2 zucchini (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (cored and diced)
Liquids
- 1 can tomato juice (19 ounces)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Pasta & Herbs
- 1/2 cup small pasta (shells, elbows or ditalini)
- 1 tablespoon dry parsley
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Seasoning & Extras
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can cannellini or kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnishing
How to Make Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by dicing the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Ensure they are cut into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the diced veggies to the pressure cooker. Pour in the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, parsley, oregano, and bay leaf.
Step 3: Seal the Instant Pot
Put the lid on securely. Make sure the sealing ring is in place and that the valve is closed.
Step 4: Set Cooking Time
Set the pressure cooker to Manual mode on high pressure for 10 minutes. Note that it may take an additional 10-15 minutes for the pot to reach pressure.
Step 5: Release Pressure
When cooking time is finished, perform a quick release of pressure carefully.
Step 6: Final Touches
Open the lid carefully. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 7: Add Beans and Spinach
If you’d like to add beans or spinach, do so now. Put the lid back on for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 8: Serve
Alternatively, stir in fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Minestrone Soup with crusty bread!
How to Serve Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Serving it right enhances its flavors and makes for a fulfilling meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread complements the soup perfectly, allowing you to soak up the delicious broth.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Adding fresh parsley or basil on top elevates the presentation and adds a burst of flavor.
Top with Grated Cheese
- Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a savory touch that balances the soup’s richness.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Add a Dollop of Pesto
- Swirl in some pesto for an added layer of flavor and an aromatic finish.
How to Perfect Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
Creating the perfect Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to enhance your cooking experience.
Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh produce will bring out the best flavors in your soup and add vital nutrients.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; season with salt and pepper as needed for enhanced flavor.
Try Different Pasta Shapes: Experiment with various pasta shapes like shells or ditalini for texture variation.
Add Extra Greens: Incorporate more baby spinach or kale for additional nutrients and vibrant color.
Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to rest after cooking helps meld flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal experience when enjoying Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. Here are some excellent options to consider.
Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made from tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness alongside the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a crunchy contrast and healthy addition to your meal.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with veggies offers protein and texture, rounding out your dish nicely.
Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a hearty side that pairs well with soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic choice, this warm sandwich can be dipped into the soup for extra comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the best Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté step – Not browning your vegetables at the start can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté onions, carrots, and celery first.
- Overcooking the pasta – If you cook the pasta too long under pressure, it can become mushy. Follow the recommended time and add pasta directly to the soup as instructed.
- Ignoring seasonings – Not tasting and adjusting salt and pepper can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Using old ingredients – Stale or expired ingredients can impact flavor and texture. Ensure your vegetables and pantry items are fresh.
- Not allowing for a natural release – For optimal results, let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before doing a quick release. This helps enhance flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop – Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Instant Pot Minestrone Soup:
Can I customize my Instant Pot Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or beans based on your preference. Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or use different pasta shapes.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
This Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can make this minestrone soup on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients until tender, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
Can I double this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup recipe?
Yes! You can double the ingredients but be mindful not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot when cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is deliciously versatile and perfect for cozy meals. With its rich flavors and healthy ingredients, it can easily be tailored to suit various tastes. Try adding your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch!
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
This Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy evenings. Packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and flavorful herbs, this nutritious soup comes together in just 30 minutes using your Instant Pot. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe is versatile and can be customized to include your favorite veggies. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 2 small onions (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 2 zucchini (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (cored and diced)
- 1 can tomato juice (19 ounces)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup small pasta
- 1 can cannellini or kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables by chopping the onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper into even pieces.
- Add the diced vegetables to your Instant Pot along with tomato juice, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, and seasonings.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set to Manual mode on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, carefully perform a quick release of pressure.
- Stir in rinsed beans and baby spinach; cover for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or beans for personalization. Experiment with different pasta shapes for added texture. Allowing the soup to sit after cooking helps enhance its flavors.