Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

The Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is a delightful, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This flavorful soup combines fresh vegetables and beans, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also allows you to enjoy a taste of your favorite restaurant from the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously rich flavor.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup offers a healthy dose of protein and fiber.
• Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes for a unique twist every time.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze some for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of the show, allowing for hands-off cooking that melds flavors beautifully over time.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring efficiency in prep time.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for quickly and accurately dicing all your ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes

For the Vegetables

• 1 cup diced celery (3 stalks)
• 1 cup diced carrots (2 carrots)
• 1 cup diced yellow onion (1 small)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp dried rosemary crushed
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Beans

• 1 1/3 cups diced zucchini (1 small)
• 1 1/3 cups shell pasta
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can white navy beans or cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian green beans drained

For Serving

• 2 cups packed chopped fresh spinach
• Finely shredded Romano cheese for serving (Parmesan works too)

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare the Broth Mixture

Add the vegetable stock, water, diced tomatoes, celery, carrots, onion, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and sugar to a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low heat for 6 – 8 hours or on high heat for 3 – 4 hours.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Once the initial cooking time is up, stir in the zucchini, shell pasta, minced garlic, kidney beans, and white beans. Cook on high heat for an additional 30 – 40 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 3: Finish with Spinach and Green Beans

Add chopped spinach and Italian green beans to the slow cooker. Cook for several more minutes until heated through. If desired, stir in more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.

Step 4: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with finely shredded Romano cheese for added flavor. Enjoy warm!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is perfect for any meal occasion. Serving this hearty soup can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Here are some delicious ways to serve it.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread – Serve warm slices of garlic bread alongside the soup for a delightful contrast.
• Baguette Slices – A fresh baguette pairs wonderfully and is perfect for dipping.

Topped with Cheese

• Romano Cheese – Sprinkle finely shredded Romano cheese on top for added flavor and richness.
• Parmesan Cheese – A dusting of Parmesan adds a nutty taste that complements the soup’s ingredients.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad – The crispness of romaine and tangy dressing provide a nice balance to the soup’s warmth.
• Garden Salad – Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette enhance the meal’s healthiness.

As Part of a Meal

• Alongside Grilled Chicken – Pairing the soup with grilled chicken offers a protein boost.
• With Turkey Sandwiches – A turkey sandwich on whole grain bread makes for a satisfying combo.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

To create the best version of Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup, follow these tips for an outstanding dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go, and feel free to add more herbs or spices according to your preference.
• Cook Low and Slow – Allowing the soup to simmer longer on low heat improves flavor development.
• Customize Add-Ins – Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers or kale for variety.
• Store Properly – Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for later use.
• Reheat Gently – When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent overcooking the pasta.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Completing your meal with some delightful side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a vibrant side.
2. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a nutritious complement.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized pair nicely with the soup’s flavors.
4. Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad with vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese are perfect for dipping into your minestrone.
6. Italian Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates an inviting starter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, be mindful of these common mistakes to ensure the best results.

• Bold choice of vegetables: Using the wrong vegetables can alter the texture and flavor. Stick to fresh, seasonal produce for optimal taste.
• Bold seasoning misstep: Not seasoning properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go.
• Bold pasta overcooking: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Add it during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
• Bold stock selection: Using a low-quality stock can compromise flavor. Choose a good quality low-sodium vegetable stock for a richer taste.
• Bold ingredient substitutions: Substituting key ingredients without considering their role can change the soup’s character. Stay close to the original recipe for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often arise about making this delicious soup.

What is Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}?

Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is a hearty, vegetable-rich soup made with beans, pasta, and flavorful herbs, mimicking the popular restaurant version.

Can I customize Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or beans based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

How long does Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} take to cook?

This soup cooks on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, with an additional 30-40 minutes after adding pasta and beans.

Is Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is entirely vegetarian and packed with nutritious vegetables and beans.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. It’s perfect for meal prep or serving guests. Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!