Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

This easy Instant Pot Minestrone soup is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, this healthy comfort food will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. With its vibrant vegetables and hearty beans, it stands out as a nutritious choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious soup ready in just 30 minutes.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies and beans, this soup is rich in vitamins and fiber.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs for a unique twist every time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the comforting taste and fun pasta shapes mixed in.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time while infusing flavors deeply into the soup.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface makes chopping veggies quick and safe.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even cooking of all ingredients.

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 & Seasonings

• 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 & 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 the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. This step sets the base for your flavorful soup.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot

Add the diced vegetables to the pressure cooker. Then include the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, parsley, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well to mix all ingredients together.

Step 3: Set Up Your Instant Pot

Put the lid on the Instant Pot. Ensure that the sealing ring is properly in place and that the valve is closed before moving on.

Step 4: Start Cooking

Set the pressure cooker to Manual mode at high pressure for 10 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes for the pot to reach pressure before cooking begins.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Once cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of pressure. Open the lid gently to avoid steam burns.

Step 6: Season Your Soup

Taste your minestrone soup. Add salt and pepper according to your preference for seasoning.

Step 7: Add Final Ingredients

If desired, now is the time to add rinsed beans or spinach. Close the lid again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your warm minestrone soup with crusty bread for a satisfying meal!

How to Serve Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Serving your Instant Pot Minestrone Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this hearty soup.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all the flavors.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an added burst of flavor and a pop of color.

With a Side Salad

• Pair the soup with a light side salad to balance out the meal. A simple green salad works wonderfully.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve your minestrone in an edible bread bowl. This adds a unique presentation and texture.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the taste and richness of your soup.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Perfecting your Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these recommendations to make your dish even tastier.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, seasonal vegetables provide better flavor and nutrition compared to canned options.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference for enhanced flavor.

• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: Different pasta shapes can change the texture. Try shells, ditalini, or elbows based on what you have on hand.

• Add Extra Greens: Incorporate more greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and color.

• Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for easy reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Minestrone Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread complements the soup perfectly and adds a crunch.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crispness and a creamy contrast to the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add depth of flavor and nutrition alongside the soup.
4. Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches made with your favorite cheese are always a hit when dipped into soup.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings protein and texture while keeping it healthy.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or grains and make for a hearty side that pairs well with minestrone.
7. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, artichokes, and roasted peppers offers variety and complements the flavors of the soup.
8. Mixed Bean Salad: A fresh bean salad provides extra fiber and pairs well with the Italian flavors of minestrone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Minestrone Soup, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the Sauté Function: Not using the sauté function can lead to less flavorful soup. Always sauté your vegetables first to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too many ingredients can result in uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Not Checking Seasoning: Failing to taste before serving may leave your soup bland. Always adjust salt and pepper after cooking for a well-balanced flavor.
• Using Overcooked Pasta: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Cook it in the Instant Pot just until al dente for a perfect texture.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Skipping fresh herbs at the end can diminish freshness. Always stir in herbs just before serving for vibrant flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Instant Pot Minestrone Soup that you might find helpful.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Minestrone Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have available or prefer.

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

The cooking time is only 10 minutes under high pressure, but allow extra time for the pot to come to pressure.

Is Instant Pot Minestrone Soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with vegetables and beans, making it a nutritious option that is low in fat and high in fiber.

Can I use different types of beans in this soup?

Yes! Cannellini or kidney beans work well, but you can also try black beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Minestrone Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or comfort food, this recipe fits perfectly. Try adding different veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!