Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone

Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone
by: Betty Crocker

Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:8 hr 35 min
Makes:12 servings

4 cups vegetable broth or Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
4 cups tomato juice
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 medium carrots, sliced (1 cup)
2 medium celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (3 ounces)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) Progresso® diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (4 1/2 oz)
Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

1. Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in 4- to 5-quart slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat setting 7 to 8 hours or until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in pasta. Cover and cook on high heat setting 15 to 20 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Note: This recipe was tested in slow cookers with heating elements in the side and bottom of the cooker, not in cookers that stand only on a heated base. For slow cookers with just a heated base, follow the manufacturer’s directions for layering ingredients and choosing a temperature.
(Total time will vary with appliance and setting.)