Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. Bursting with seasonal vegetables, beans, and small pasta, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. The rich tomato broth, enhanced with aromatic herbs, makes it a standout option for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with vegetables and protein-rich beans, this soup keeps you full for longer.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is great for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
• Flavorful Broth: The combination of spices and rich tomato base creates an irresistible taste that rivals restaurant offerings.
• Serves a Crowd: This recipe makes eight servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into the cooking process, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking soups evenly and accommodating larger quantities.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for easy chopping of vegetables, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

This thick vegetable soup is made in a hearty and herby thick tomato broth, which is packed with seasonal vegetables, cannellini, or red kidney beans, and some small variety of pasta.

For the Base

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion (Finely Chopped)
• 3-4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)

For the Vegetables

• 2 Carrots (Diced)
• 2 Celery Stalks (Diced)
• 1/2 Cup French Beans (Cut)
• 1/2 Cup Corn
• 1/2 Cup Zucchini (Diced)

For Flavoring

• 1.5 Teaspoons Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano
• 1 Teaspoon Thyme
• 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)

For Protein & Pasta

• 1.5 Cups Red Kidney Beans (Boiled (13.5oz canned beans))
• 1 Cup Mini Shells (You can also use Ditallini, Mini Elbow shaped Pasta, Orzo or Bulgar)

For the Broth

• 28 oz San Marzano Tomatoes (Better if you can find Fire Roasted Diced)
• 4 Cups Vegetable Broth

How to Make Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add bay leaves to infuse flavor into the oil.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté until the onions become golden and translucent.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in 1 cup of diced carrots and 3/4 cup of cut celery stalks. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate More Veggies

Add in your mix of vegetables—zucchini, corn, and French beans—(1.5 cups total). Ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Season It Up

Sprinkle in spices including 1 teaspoon each of oregano, thyme, black pepper powder; half a teaspoon of smoked paprika; along with 1.5 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Add Pasta & Tomatoes

Toss in 1 cup of any mini pasta you have on hand along with the fire-roasted San Marzano tomatoes (28 oz). Stir everything together until combined.

Step 7: Pour in Broth

Add 4 cups of vegetable broth into the mixture. Bring it to a simmer on low heat until both pasta and veggies are cooked through.

Step 8: Thicken & Garnish

Once everything has cooked—about 15-20 minutes—check that your soup has thickened nicely. Optionally sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Step 9: Serve with Love

Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving hot alongside toasted buttery bread or garlic bread for an extra touch!

How to Serve Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving your Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can enhance the experience and complement its rich flavors. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Toasted Baguette: Serve slices of toasted baguette with a spread of garlic butter for added flavor.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combination.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Croutons: Add crunchy croutons for texture and extra flavor.

Salads

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Cheese Options

• Grated Parmesan: Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who enjoy a cheesy touch.
• Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, serve feta crumbles that can be sprinkled on top.

How to Perfect Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Perfecting your Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can make it an unforgettable dish. Here are some helpful tips to achieve that perfect bowl.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Opt for seasonal, fresh vegetables to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and spices during cooking for a balanced flavor profile.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Consider cooking pasta separately to avoid overcooking it in the soup.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit after cooking; flavors meld beautifully when it rests for a while before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil provide a refreshing bite.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers offer protein and additional vegetables alongside the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables complements the soup’s flavors well.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds a nutritious side full of fiber.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side option.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips offers another layer of deliciousness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing onions and garlic enhances their flavors and forms the soup’s base. Always take the time to sauté them until golden.
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting vegetables into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Dice everything uniformly for even texture.
• Using stale spices: Old spices lose their potency, affecting flavor. Always check your spice freshness for the best results.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Add it later in the cooking process, allowing it to cook just until al dente.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for a well-balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but note that pasta might become softer upon reheating.

Reheating Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup:

Can I add meat to this minestrone soup?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein and flavor. Just make sure it’s added during the last few minutes of cooking.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply omit any meat you wish to add and ensure your broth is vegetable-based. The soup is already packed with nutritious vegetables!

What pasta varieties work best in this soup?

Mini shells, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni work wonderfully. Choose what you have on hand!

How do I customize my Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables or beans you enjoy. Kale or spinach also makes a great addition!

How long does it take to prepare this soup?

The total time is about 45 minutes, including prep and cook time.

Final Thoughts

This Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is not just hearty but also versatile! You can easily customize it with different vegetables or beans based on your preference. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting flavors that will surely impress your family and friends!