Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

The Simplest Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe You’ll Love

Warm, hearty minestrone soup bursts with vibrant vegetables and comforting flavors that dance through your instant pot like culinary magic.

This classic Italian recipe brings rustic charm directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Rich legumes and tender pasta swirl together, creating a nourishing meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle beautifully, offering a symphony of textures and tastes in each spoonful.

Nutritious and quick, this soup becomes your ultimate weeknight companion when hunger strikes and time feels short.

Seasonal produce transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort meal that satisfies both body and soul.

Why Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Is Easy And Hearty

  • Speed Up Meal Prep: This Instant Pot minestrone soup slashes cooking time dramatically, letting you whip up a hearty meal in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-rich beans, and fresh greens, this recipe delivers a complete balanced meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing nutrition.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like swappable beans, greens, and optional garnishes mean you can adapt the soup to match your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences without complicated adjustments.
  • Comfort Food Meets Healthy Eating: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a wholesome meal, this soup provides warming comfort while delivering a powerhouse of vegetables and lean protein that keeps you satisfied.

What Goes Into Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh flavor and crisp texture.
  • Garlic: Delivers a pungent, deep flavor base for the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Oregano, Basil, Thyme: Classic Italian herb blend that gives authentic Mediterranean taste.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
Main Soup Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Creates a rich, tangy base for the soup's liquid.
  • Kidney Beans, White Beans: Provides protein, texture, and hearty substance.
  • Zucchini, Green Beans: Adds fresh vegetable variety and nutritional value.
  • Vegetable Broth: Forms the liquid foundation of the soup.
  • Pasta: Introduces classic minestrone texture and substance.
  • Spinach or Kale: Brings fresh green color and additional nutrients.
  • Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy finishing note.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers rich, salty finishing touch.
  • Fresh Herbs: Provides additional color and aromatic freshness.

Steps To Cook Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Awaken the Flavor Base

Heat up your Instant Pot and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Sliced carrots
  • Diced celery
Sauté these veggie heroes until they turn soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance for a few moments. Shake in a blend of:
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Give everything a loving stir to marry the flavors.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Tumble into the pot:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Kidney beans
  • White beans
  • Chopped zucchini
  • Trimmed green beans
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Pasta shells

Stir the ingredients until they become best friends.

Step 3: Pressure Magic

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Blast on high pressure for 4 minutes. When the timer dings, carefully release the pressure.

Step 4: Green Dream Finish

Swirl in:
  • Fresh spinach or kale
  • Splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice

Let the greens gently wilt into the hot soup.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Taste and tweak the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and crown with:
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Fresh herb sprinkle

Enjoy your cozy, veggie-packed adventure!

Tips For Full-Flavored Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Optimize Vegetable Softening: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup, preventing some pieces from becoming too mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Customize Bean Variety: Swap canned beans with home-cooked or different bean types like cannellini, kidney, or navy beans to match personal preference or dietary needs without compromising the soup's robust flavor profile.
  • Manage Pasta Texture: Add pasta during the last minute of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency, which prevents soggy noodles and preserves the soup's overall quality.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Deglaze the Instant Pot with a splash of red wine or vegetable broth after sautéing vegetables to capture all the delicious browned bits, intensifying the soup's complex taste.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Experiment with additional nutrient-dense ingredients like kale, swiss chard, or quinoa to increase protein and vitamin content while keeping the soup's traditional minestrone character intact.

Storage Tips For Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Separate the pasta from the liquid when possible to maintain its texture.
  • Transfer soup to a storage container with a tight-fitting lid, leaving a small space at the top for expansion.
  • When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the original consistency.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rewarming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Check the soup's quality before consuming and discard if any unusual odors or signs of spoilage appear.
  • For best flavor and texture, consume within the recommended storage timeframe.

Perfect Pairings For Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. Its crispy exterior and soft inside perfectly complement the hearty soup's texture and taste.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines cut through the soup's richness and enhance the vegetable medley's fresh flavors.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm, comforting minestrone.
  • Finish with Aged Parmesan: Sprinkle extra aged Parmesan cheese on top. Its nutty, sharp flavor deepens the soup's complexity and adds a delightful salty kick.

Easy Variations Of Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • Hearty Mediterranean Mix: Swap beans for chickpeas, add kalamata olives, and include fresh rosemary for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace traditional herbs with cumin and chili powder. Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Top with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for southwestern flair.
  • Protein-Packed Winter Version: Include diced chicken or ground turkey during sautéing. Add quinoa instead of pasta for higher protein content. Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Vegetable Garden Celebration: Expand vegetable variety by adding butternut squash, parsnips, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth for deeper vegetable essence. Finish with fresh basil and nutritional yeast for complex flavor layers.

FAQs For Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

  • What makes this Minestrone Soup special in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time while helping develop deep, rich flavors quickly. By sautéing aromatics and then pressure cooking, you get a restaurant-quality soup in under 15 minutes of active cooking.

  • Is this Minestrone Soup vegetarian friendly?

Yes, absolutely! The recipe uses vegetable broth, multiple beans, and plenty of vegetables, making it a hearty, nutritious vegetarian meal packed with protein and nutrients.

  • Can I make this soup if I'm sensitive to certain ingredients?

This recipe is very adaptable. You can easily swap beans, use gluten-free pasta, or modify vegetables based on dietary needs or preferences without losing the soup’s core flavor profile.

  • How nutritious is this Minestrone Soup?

Incredibly nutritious! With multiple vegetables, beans, and herbs, this soup provides excellent protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a complete, balanced meal that supports overall health and provides sustained energy.

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Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty instant pot minestrone soup delivers Italian countryside comfort with robust vegetables and rich broth. Savory beans and tender pasta combine for a nourishing meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped
  • 1.5 cups green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

Protein and Canned Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces) can great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 0.75 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.75 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Awaken the aromatic base by activating the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Drizzle olive oil into the pot and introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery. Allow the vegetables to soften and become translucent, releasing their subtle flavors. Introduce minced garlic and create a fragrant bloom for a brief moment.
  2. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir the herbs thoroughly to distribute their essence throughout the vegetable medley.
  3. Layer the soup’s foundation by adding diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, chopped zucchini, and green beans. Pour in the rich vegetable broth and gently incorporate pasta, ensuring all ingredients are well-integrated.
  4. Secure the Instant Pot lid, positioning the valve to sealing. Initiate high-pressure cooking for a precise 4-minute cycle. Once complete, perform a controlled quick release to prevent potential splatter.
  5. Elevate the soup’s nutritional value by gently folding in vibrant spinach or kale. Splash a touch of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice to brighten the overall flavor profile. Allow the greens to delicately wilt in the residual heat.
  6. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning as needed. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and optional chopped herbs for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting broth quantity, ensuring a perfect consistency every time.
  • Swap pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version that maintains delicious flavor profiles.
  • Boost protein content by adding cooked chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles without disrupting the soup’s classic vegetable medley.
  • Maximize flavor development by sautéing vegetables until slightly caramelized, which deepens the overall taste complexity of the minestrone.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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