Description
Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a delightful blend of vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and comforting pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. This easy-to-make soup captures the essence of Italian cuisine and is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Packed with nutrients, it’s an ideal choice for a healthy meal that will please everyone at the table. With customizable ingredients and flavors, this minestrone soup can be tailored to fit your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion (Finely Chopped)
- 3–4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- 2 Carrots (Diced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (Diced)
- 1/2 Cup French Beans (Cut)
- 1/2 Cup Corn
- 1/2 Cup Zucchini (Diced)
- 1.5 Cups Red Kidney Beans (Boiled or 13.5oz canned beans)
- 1 Cup Mini Shells (You can also use Ditallini, Mini Elbow shaped Pasta, Orzo or Bulgar)
- 1.5 Teaspoons Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Thyme
- 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
- 28 oz San Marzano Tomatoes (Fire Roasted Diced recommended)
- 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, toss in 2 bay leaves. After about 30 seconds, add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are golden and translucent.
- Next, add 2 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add in the mix of seasonal vegetables—1/2 cup each of French beans, corn, and diced zucchini. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Sprinkle in the spices: 1 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme along with black pepper powder. If you enjoy a hint of smokiness, include half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add 1.5 teaspoons salt and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in 1 cup of mini pasta along with the entire can of fire-roasted San Marzano tomatoes (28 oz). Mix everything together to distribute evenly.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Increase heat until it reaches a gentle boil before lowering it to simmer on low heat until both pasta and veggies are tender—about 15-20 minutes.
- Once thickened to your liking, taste for seasoning adjustments if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving!
- Enjoy your delicious Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup alongside toasted buttery bread or grilled cheese for an extra comforting meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg