Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

This easy Instant Pot Minestrone soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or a gathering with friends. Packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty beans, this comforting dish delivers flavor and nutrition in every bowl. With the convenience of an Instant Pot, you can whip up this wholesome soup in no time, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with veggies and beans, this soup is packed with essential nutrients.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs for a unique twist.
• One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in the Instant Pot, cleanup is a breeze.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Instant Pot Minestrone Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time significantly while infusing flavors beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping faster and safer, ensuring clean cuts without much effort.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 and Herbs

• 1/2 cup small pasta (shells, elbows or ditalini)
• 1 tablespoon dry parsley
• ½ tablespoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Beans and Greens

• 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 all your vegetables. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot

Add the diced veggies to the pressure cooker. Pour in the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, dry parsley, oregano, and bay leaf.

Step 3: Seal and Cook

Put the lid on your Instant Pot. Ensure that the sealing ring is in place and that the valve is closed. Set it to Manual mode at high pressure for 10 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure.

Step 4: Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of pressure. Carefully open the lid after all steam has escaped.

Step 5: Season Your Soup

Taste your soup before serving. Add salt and pepper to enhance flavors according to your preference.

Step 6: Add Beans and Spinach

If you wish to include beans or spinach for added texture and nutrition, add them now. Close the lid again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.

Step 7: Serve

Optionally stir in fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy your Instant Pot Minestrone Soup hot with crusty bread on the side!

How to Serve Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Serving Instant Pot Minestrone Soup can elevate your meal experience. This soup is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments, making it a delightful dish for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette or sourdough enhances the soup’s flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

With Grated Cheese

• For those who enjoy cheese, adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano creates a rich flavor contrast.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A light green salad with a vinaigrette balances the hearty soup, providing freshness and texture.

As Part of a Meal Prep

• Portion the soup into containers for easy reheating throughout the week, ensuring you have healthy meals ready to go.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Making an exceptional Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is all about using quality ingredients and following some key tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies will give your soup vibrant flavors and textures that frozen or canned options cannot match.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. The right amount of salt and pepper can significantly enhance the overall taste.
• Try Different Pasta: Experiment with different small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells to find your favorite texture in the soup.
• Incorporate Seasonal Ingredients: Adding seasonal vegetables not only boosts nutrition but also keeps the recipe exciting throughout the year.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, making sure to leave out any added pasta if you plan on freezing it.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Minestrone Soup can complement its flavors beautifully. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter is perfect for dipping into your flavorful soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted seasonal vegetables add depth and extra nutrients alongside your minestrone.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and lemon offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the soup’s heartiness.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or grains and topped with cheese for a filling side dish that complements the minestrone.
6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese provides a comforting addition that absorbs the flavors from the soup well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Minestrone soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Not all ingredients can be swapped without affecting the flavor or texture. Stick to recommended substitutes, like using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if desired.
• Bold overcooking vegetables: Overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables. Follow the cooking times closely and add softer ingredients like spinach at the end.
• Bold ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting throughout the cooking process is essential. Be sure to adjust salt and pepper after cooking for the best flavor.
• Bold skipping the quick release: A quick release helps maintain the texture of your ingredients. Don’t skip this step; it ensures your soup is not overly cooked.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Instant Pot Minestrone soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot Minestrone soup:

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Minestrone Soup?

The cooking time is just 10 minutes under high pressure, but remember it takes extra time for the pot to come to pressure.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Minestrone Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins like chicken or beans based on your preferences.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Minestrone Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Can I use fresh herbs in my Instant Pot Minestrone Soup?

Yes! Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor significantly. Just stir them in before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Minestrone soup offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any meal. With its healthy ingredients and comforting nature, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Give it a try and enjoy this versatile dish!