Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup is the perfect comforting homemade meal on a cold winter day. It's easy to prepare and customizeable with fresh veggies and beans!
In a large 6 quart slow cooker, add carrots, celery, garlic, onions, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaves. Stir in vegetable broth and water (use less if you like it less watery) into the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours (time varies according to your slow cooker - adjust times as needed)
** Stir in the pasta and cook for another 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked. Stir in the spinach and allow to wilt (about 1-2 minutes). Add more water as needed if you like a thinner soup. (***you can also cook the pasta directly with the soup but this soaks up more water so you may have to add more water. Just add the pasta after simmering for 20 minutes, then bring to a boil and allow to cook for another 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender)
NOTE about pasta - **If you plan to freeze this or serve the next day, leave out the pasta and cook on the side and then combine when you are ready to enjoy. This helps the pasta not get soggy. Save