Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

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 packed full of fresh vegetables and beans in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners, lunch gatherings, or meal prep, this soup brings the delightful flavors of Italy right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup in less than an hour.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is a wholesome option that’s low in calories and high in fiber.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish; it pairs well with breadsticks, salads, or sandwiches.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for later, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.
• Great Flavor: The blend of fresh ingredients and Italian seasoning creates a rich flavor that will warm your soul.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup smoothly, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: This allows you to cook all the ingredients together evenly while providing enough space for the soup to simmer.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife helps you chop vegetables quickly and safely, making prep work faster.
• Ladle: This tool is perfect for serving the soup without making a mess.

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 chocked 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)

Seasonings & Broth

• 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)

Beans & Pasta

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

Fresh Ingredients

• 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 on medium heat, add the olive oil, carrots, celery, and onions. Place a lid on the stock pot and let the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

Next, add the minced garlic and diced zucchini to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes while mixing often.

Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings and Tomatoes

Add the seasonings—salt, pepper, Italian seasoning—along with canned diced tomatoes with juice, green beans, and tomato paste. Mix well before pouring in half of the vegetable broth. Stir again, cover with a lid, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Bring the soup back up to a boil. Add rinsed and drained cannellini beans as well as red kidney beans along with tiny shell pasta. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked while mixing occasionally.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach

Pour in an additional 32 ounces of vegetable broth. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh minced parsley and stir into the soup. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is an excellent way to enjoy a comforting meal. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its delicious flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth. Consider a baguette or sourdough for added texture.

With Parmesan Cheese

• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. This adds a savory touch that complements the vegetables beautifully.

With Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. This simple addition elevates the dish aesthetically and taste-wise.

As a Meal Starter

• Serve minestrone soup as an appetizer before the main course. It sets a delightful tone for the meal and whets the appetite.

In Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in edible bread bowls. This not only looks impressive but also adds a unique flavor profile to each spoonful.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

To make your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup even better, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh vegetables: Opt for fresh ingredients rather than frozen ones for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
• Cook pasta separately: To prevent overcooking, consider cooking tiny shell pasta on the side and adding it just before serving.
• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and buttery on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy romaine and creamy dressing complements the warmth of the soup nicely.
3. Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brings a light balance to your meal.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables offer a hearty side that pairs well with minestrone.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses creates an inviting starter alongside your soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted seasonal vegetables add depth and flavor while keeping things healthy.
7. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad tossed with veggies is nutritious and complements the soup’s heartiness.
8. Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta provide a lovely contrast to your minestrone dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, some common pitfalls can hinder your results. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best outcome.

• Skipping the prep work: Failing to chop veggies evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all your vegetables are cut into similar sizes for consistent texture and flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Add the tiny shell pasta only when the broth is boiling to ensure it cooks perfectly.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to enhance flavors.
• Ignoring vegetable broth quality: Using low-quality broth can impact the overall taste. Opt for a high-quality vegetable broth for a richer flavor profile.
• Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Rushing through cooking time can result in a less flavorful soup. Let the soup simmer properly to allow all ingredients to blend harmoniously.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a hearty vegetable and bean soup made with a rich tomato broth, perfect for serving as a comforting meal or starter.

Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just ensure all ingredients used are plant-based.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or substitute beans according to your preference, enhancing its flavor and nutritional value.

What should I serve with Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or even pasta dishes for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

The Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with seasonal vegetables or extra herbs. Try this comforting classic at home and enjoy every spoonful of goodness!