Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Enjoy a piping hot bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in the comforts of your home. This copycat recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping and is packed with a delightful mix of vegetables and beans in a rich, flavorful tomato broth. With its wholesome ingredients and comforting taste, this soup is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables and beans, this soup offers a wealth of nutrients.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, this soup complements many meals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors, it’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: This allows for even cooking and ample space for all the ingredients.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface makes chopping vegetables safe and efficient.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of soup without spills.

Ingredients

Enjoy a piping hot bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone soup in the comforts of your home. This copycat recipe makes enough for 8-10 hearty servings and is chock full of vegetables and beans in a rich tomato broth.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 carrots (sliced)
• 4 ribs celery (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 zucchini (diced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

For the Broth & Vegetables

• 16 ounces Canned Diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Green Beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 64 ounces Vegetable broth (divided)

For the Beans & Pasta

• 16 ounces cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• 16 ounces Red Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained)
• ½ cup Tiny Shell Pasta

For Finishing Touches

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon Parsley (minced)

How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the olive oil, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion. Place a lid on the stock pot to allow the vegetables to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

After about 5 minutes, add the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes while stirring often.

Step 3: Combine Seasonings and Tomatoes

Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, canned diced tomatoes with juice, green beans, and tomato paste. Mix well before adding vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Bring the soup back up to a boil. Stir in rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and tiny shell pasta. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until pasta is fully cooked.

Step 5: Finish with Broth & Spinach

Pour in an additional 32 ounces of vegetable broth. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh minced parsley. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving Olive Garden Minestrone soup can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve with freshly baked baguette or ciabatta for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully.

Add a Sprinkle of Cheese

• Top each bowl with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Include a Fresh Salad

• A side salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette complements the soup’s hearty nature and adds freshness to the meal.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Crispy garlic bread is a classic pairing that enhances the Italian vibes of the meal while providing a satisfying crunch.

Offer Fresh Herbs

• Provide sprigs of fresh basil or parsley for guests to garnish their soup, adding a pop of color and freshness.

Accompany with Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of lemon juice just before eating brightens the flavors and adds a tangy twist to each bowl.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Creating an authentic Olive Garden Minestrone soup at home is easy with these tips. Follow them to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables add more flavor than canned options. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp greens, and vibrant herbs.

• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more but can’t take it out once it’s in.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook pasta separately and add it to each bowl just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.

• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to rest for 30 minutes after cooking helps meld all the flavors together, making it even tastier.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or kale for variety and added nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

To round out your meal featuring Olive Garden Minestrone soup, consider these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing start to your meal.

2. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer a hearty complement to the lightness of minestrone.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth of flavor and color to your table setting.

4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese provides a comforting side that balances the soup’s acidity.

5. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables makes for an appealing appetizer option.

6. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinated vegetables grilled to perfection bring smokiness that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.

7. Pesto Flatbread: Lightly toasted flatbread topped with pesto offers a flavorful twist that enhances every spoonful of minestrone.

8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic serve as a hearty side that rounds out this comforting meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup at home is a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or wilted vegetables can affect the flavor and texture of your soup. Always choose fresh, vibrant produce for the best results.

• Overcooking the pasta: Letting the tiny shell pasta cook too long can lead to mushiness. Add it towards the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.

• Skipping the seasoning adjustment: The flavors in your soup may need tweaking after cooking. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed for a balanced flavor.

• Not using enough broth: A common mistake is skimping on vegetable broth, resulting in a thick and less flavorful soup. Ensure you add enough broth to achieve your desired consistency.

• Forgetting to stir frequently: Ingredients can stick to the bottom of the pot if not stirred regularly. Keep stirring to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh herbs like parsley can make your soup lack vibrancy. Always finish with fresh herbs for added flavor and appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish, covered, until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Minestrone Soup that may help you while preparing this dish.

What makes Olive Garden Minestrone Soup special?

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is known for its rich tomato base filled with fresh vegetables and beans that create a hearty meal packed with flavor and nutrients.

Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer as described above.

How can I customize Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, beans, or pasta shapes based on personal preferences or what you have on hand!

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This version of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is entirely plant-based and packed with delicious veggies and beans.

How do I store leftovers from Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage as detailed above.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or beans according to your taste. Enjoy making this hearty soup at home; it’s perfect for any occasion!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in a warm and hearty bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and nutritious beans simmered in a rich tomato broth. This comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, ensuring you have a nourishing dish ready whenever hunger strikes. With its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 16 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 64 ounces vegetable broth (divided)
• 16 ounces cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 16 ounces red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup tiny shell pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

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Instructions

1. In a large stock pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and diced zucchini; cook for an additional five minutes.
3. Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, canned tomatoes with juice, green beans, and tomato paste. Mix well before adding vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and tiny shell pasta. Cook until pasta is tender (about 10-15 minutes).
5. Pour in the remaining vegetable broth and stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg