Minestrone Soup In The Instant Pot

Minestrone Soup

This article is sponsored by Family Cuisine.

I don’t want to sound overly excited, but can we take a moment to appreciate the arrival of colder weather? It’s time to bring out the Instant Pots, slow cookers, and big soup pots because my favorite season is here — soup season!

And let me tell you, this delicious, modern take on minestrone has everything you could ever desire: an abundance of veggies, basil pesto, flavorful tomato sauce, beans, bulgur (we’ll discuss this shortly), fresh parsley, garlic, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of parmesan on top. You can also enjoy it with a side of crusty bread. This soup is perfect for embracing winter and nourishing your body. Trust me, it’s the good kind of winter body. But hey, let’s not dwell on that.

Table of Contents

In This Article: Everything You Need For Minestrone

VIDEO: How to Make Minestrone
Essential Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recommended Side Dishes
Frequently Asked Questions

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What Makes Minestrone So Good?

I have a special connection with this minestrone soup because my neighbor Pam makes a minestrone that is similar to this recipe, only better. It’s always better when someone else makes it, right? And in this case, it truly is superior. Pam adds bacon to hers, while I opt for smoked paprika. I know, don’t question my choices.

Do you find it odd that I still vividly remember the very first time I had Pam’s minestrone? It was around fifteen years ago when we gathered around a long table with our neighbors in a cozy cabin nestled in the Wisconsin woods. Pam served her warm and comforting minestrone after a day filled with snowmobiling and card games.

Sometimes, I wonder why I can recall food memories with such clarity while forgetting where I put my water bottle this morning. I suppose we all have our priorities.

Ingredients in This Minestrone

Okay, let’s talk about this modern version of minestrone. The twist? No pasta!

Are you still with me? Don’t worry; I’ll explain why we substitute pasta with bulgur. Have you ever tried bulgur? It’s absolutely delightful — chewy, nutty, and infused with a lovely wheat flavor. Plus, it offers complex carbs, fiber, and protein. Give it a chance in this Instant Pot minestrone; you might just love it. Of course, if it’s not your thing, you can always go back to using pasta or try Pam’s original version with barley. I’m flexible like that.

Now, let’s talk shortcuts:

Instant Pot: Sometimes, you need the healing power of sautéing garlic and onion or the enticing aroma of something baking in the oven. But there are also times when pressing a button on an electric cooker machine is the way to go. Trust me, it works wonders.
DeLallo Pesto: We’ve been loyal users of DeLallo products for a long time. You can find evidence of that here.
DeLallo Marinara Sauce: Their tomato sauces are hands-down my favorite jarred sauces. They are clean, free from added sugars (which is surprisingly rare), and made with high-quality ingredients. Simply put, I love them.

In addition to these shortcuts, we’ll be using plenty of carrots, onions, celery, a can of beans, and some pantry spices.

How to Make This Minestrone Soup

Since we’re using the Instant Pot, the process is pretty straightforward:

Chop all your veggies — you can even use a food processor for a quicker prep, as demonstrated in the video.
Place all your ingredients into the Instant Pot, including the veggies, sauce, beans, spices, and pesto.
Let the Instant Pot work its magic for 30 minutes; you can sit back and relax.
Once it’s done, stir in the bulgur and let it cook a bit longer. Then, serve the soup with a sprinkle of parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.

This recipe is a weeknight wonder that will keep you and your loved ones happy. It’s easy, packed with nutrition, and absolutely delicious.

What to Serve with Minestrone Soup

While this soup is delicious on its own, a few extra accompaniments take it to the next level:

Bread, glorious bread! You’ll want some crusty bread for dipping. Try our No-Knead Bread or No-Knead CHEESE Bread for the perfect pairing.
A refreshing simple green salad will provide a crunchy and fresh contrast to the soup.
If you’re looking to add some protein, consider including cooked and crumbled ground Italian sausage or turkey. You can also throw in some chicken breasts to cook and shred.

I cannot express how thrilled I am to dive into another soup season. It’s my comfort zone. I hope you make this minestrone soup and take 30 minutes to enjoy a lunch break at your desk while savoring each spoonful. It’s a win-win situation. ♡