Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a hearty, veggie-packed Italian soup made in a fraction of the time thanks to the pressure cooker. Brimming with beans, pasta, vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory tomato broth, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Cooks in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Nutrient-Rich – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
• One-Pot Meal – No need for multiple dishes—everything cooks in the Instant Pot.
• Customizable – Easily adapt the veggies, beans, and pasta to what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Great for leftovers, and flavors only get better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Zucchini, chopped
• Green beans, trimmed and chopped
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Vegetable broth
• Canned kidney beans, drained
• Canned cannellini or navy beans, drained
• Small pasta (elbow, ditalini, or shells)
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics – Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat olive oil, then add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients – Stir in zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, beans, herbs, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
3. Pressure Cook – Lock the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 4 minutes.
4. Quick Release – Carefully release the pressure manually when the time is up.
5. Add Pasta & Greens – Stir in pasta and spinach or kale. Set to Sauté again and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 5–8 minutes.
6. Adjust Seasoning – Taste and season as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve Warm – Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure build/release time)
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Boost – Add cooked sausage or chicken after pressure cooking.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta and serve with rice or quinoa.
• Low-Carb – Skip the pasta and add more greens or cauliflower.
• Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Creamy Minestrone – Stir in a splash of cream or dairy-free alternative before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Add broth if soup thickens.
• Freezing: Freeze without the pasta for best results. Add cooked pasta when reheating. Keeps up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, just chop and simmer longer for the tomatoes to break down fully.

Can I cook the pasta with everything else?

Pasta can overcook under pressure. For best texture, add it after pressure cooking and simmer using Sauté mode.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, as long as you skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

What type of beans are best for minestrone?

Kidney and cannellini beans are traditional, but chickpeas or pinto beans also work well.

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes, simply simmer on the stovetop for 20–25 minutes or until vegetables and pasta are tender.

How can I make it more filling?

Add more beans, pasta, or serve with crusty bread for a heartier meal.

What can I use instead of spinach?

Kale, chard, or arugula make great substitutes for spinach.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure not to go past the Instant Pot’s max fill line.

Is it okay to skip tomato paste?

You can, but it adds depth and richness to the broth.

What herbs go well in minestrone?

Oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf are classic—fresh parsley also adds a nice finish.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a nourishing, delicious, and incredibly easy way to bring classic Italian flavors to your table in no time. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving a bowl of comfort, this recipe delivers with every spoonful. Try it once, and you’ll have it on repeat all year long.

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