Super Easy Slow Cooked Minestrone Soup!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GlutenFreeBarilla  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

The hubby and I have been trying to eat healthier over the past year.  Our major life change in April, when we quit our corporate jobs and hit the road in our RV has helped us both to lose some weight and have better reports from the doctor.  I’m always looking for ways to make healthier food choices.  And I’m totally in love with the convenience of my crock pot!  I ran across Barilla Gluten Free Pasta at BJ’s Wholesale Club the other day, and decided to try my hand at Slow Cooked Minestrone Soup.

slow cooker minestrone soup

Looks good doesn’t it?

Every now and then, I hit the ball right out of the park.  This soup was so good that we had it two nights in a row.  Delicious, spicy, full of veggies and totally gluten free.  And so easy to make!

I have to admit right here that the hubby wasn’t too thrilled when I told him I was making Gluten Free Minestrone.  He doesn’t love a whole lot of veggies.  In fact, green beans are his nemesis.  He doesn’t even like them looking at him.

To his credit, he winced a bit and said he would try it, but I could tell he wasn’t very excited about it.  So I improvised with this recipe and only included things he loved.

It was a fabulous success.  Want to know how to make it?

slow cooker minestrone soup

Easy Slow Cooked Minestrone Soup

2 (16 oz) cans tomato sauce
2 cups water
10 baby carrots
1 yellow squash, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1 (3.5 oz) package pepperoni
2 tsp. garlic
2 tsp. chicken bouillon
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tbsp. pesto
1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz.) can navy beans, drained
1/2 package (5 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups cooked Barilla Gluten Free Pasta

slow cooker minestrone soup

Looks like a lot of ingredients, doesn’t it?  Don’t let that alarm you.  This is such an easy recipe!  And I knew I could trust Barilla’s Gluten Free Pasta to make it fabulous.  It is our go-to choice where pasta is concerned.

slow cooker minestrone soup

In a crock pot add: carrots, squash, onion, pepperoni, garlic, chicken bouillon, oregano, and pesto (my secret ingredient).  Pour over top of the veggies the tomato sauce and water.

slow cooker minestrone soup

Stir together the ingredients, cover and cook on low for about 5 hours.

slow cooker minestrone soup

Five hours later, your kitchen is going to be smelling pretty darn amazing.

Now for the finishing up!  Add into the crock pot the navy beans and pinto beans.

slow cooker minestrone soup

Stir in the spinach and re-cover the crock pot, keeping it on low.

slow cooker minestrone soup

Cook the Barilla Gluten Free Pasta according to the directions on the box.  We use Barilla Gluten Free Pasta in most of my recipes because it has a great taste and texture.  It really tastes like regular pasta!  Made with corn and rice, it is certified gluten free with non GMO ingredients.

slow cooker minestrone soup

While the pasta is cooking, I put together a small plate of pesto and olive oil.  You see, I also located a roll of gluten free bread!  I’m totally on a roll this week…

slow cooker minestrone soup

Finish by mixing in the drained, cooked gluten free pasta.

slow cooker minestrone soup

This meal was the hit of our week!  In fact, the hubby asked me to make it again sometime soon.

I plan on it.  I love easy meals.

Super Easy Slow Cooked Minestrone Soup!
Recipe Type: Crock Pot Recipe
Author: Suzy Myers
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8 servings
So easy and so delicious!
Ingredients
  • 2 (16 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 10 baby carrots
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 1 (3.5 oz) package pepperoni
  • 2 tsp. garlic
  • 2 tsp. chicken bouillon
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp. pesto
  • 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (15 oz.) can navy beans, drained
  • 1/2 package (5 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1-1/2 cups cooked Barilla Gluten Free Pasta
Instructions
  1. In a crock pot add: carrots, squash, onion, pepperoni, garlic, chicken bouillon, oregano, and pesto (my secret ingredient).
  2. Pour over top of the veggies the tomato sauce and water.
  3. Stir together the ingredients, cover and cook on low for about 5 hours.
  4. After 5 hours, Add into the crock pot the navy beans and pinto beans.
  5. Stir in the spinach and re-cover the crock pot, keeping it on low.
  6. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
  7. Finish by mixing in the drained, cooked gluten free pasta.

slow cooker minestrone soup

You can find convenient 4-packs of Barilla Gluten Free Pasta at your local BJ’s Wholesale Club.  Visit BJ’s Wholesale Clubs on December 22nd and 23rd to see an in store Barilla Gluten Free pasta demo at select clubs!

For more Barilla Gluten Free Recipes, check out their Pinterest Board! Or visit their social networks:

Barilla’s Website   *   Facebook   *   Twitter   *   Instagram

What is your favorite gluten free recipe?

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