High Protein Minestrone Soup
This elevated take on classic Italian minestrone is a powerhouse of nutrition designed for busy weeknights. By combining a fragrant mirepoix with nutrient-dense chicken bone broth, hearty cannellini beans, and garden vegetables, this soup offers a satisfying, high-protein meal. It is a perfect ‘set it and forget it’ recipe that develops deep, comforting flavors in the slow cooker, ensuring you stay fueled and full without the need for constant kitchen supervision.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Total Time: 255
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 15 ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium zucchini, diced
4 cups chicken bone broth
2 cups water
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni)
3-4 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, then add the garlic, oregano, and thyme.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, zucchini, chicken bone broth, and water to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the vegetables are tender.
About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta and cook until al dente.
Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and lemon juice until the greens are wilted.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
The soup reheats beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider cooking the pasta separately to maintain its texture. If the soup becomes too thick upon reheating, add a splash of water or extra broth.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/high-protein-minestrone-soup/