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 chock-full of vegetables and beans in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this comforting soup captures the essence of your favorite Italian eatery right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich beans, this soup keeps you satisfied.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in less than an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the veggies or add grains to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a main course or alongside a salad for a complete meal.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers later; just reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, gather some essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: Ideal for simmering soups and stews, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking and easier handling of ingredients.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 carrots (sliced)
• 4 ribs celery (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 zucchini (diced)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Tomatoes and Beans

• 16 ounces Canned Diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Green Beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 16 ounces cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• 16 ounces Red Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained)

Broth and Pasta

• 64 ounces Vegetable broth (divided)
• ½ cup Tiny Shell Pasta

Greens

• 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

Then add the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes while mixing often until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Seasonings and Broth

Next, add the seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning), canned diced tomatoes with juice, green beans, and tomato paste. Mix well then add in half of the vegetable broth. Stir again, place the lid on the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Bring the soup back up to a boil. Add the rinsed and drained 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 the remaining vegetable broth. Stir in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt before serving. Sprinkle fresh minced parsley just before serving for added flavor. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving Olive Garden Minestrone soup is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, consider these serving suggestions to make the most of your soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked bread or a baguette pairs wonderfully with the soup, allowing you to soak up the rich broth.

Add a Dollop of Pesto

• A spoonful of pesto adds an aromatic burst of flavor and complements the vegetables beautifully.

Top with Grated Parmesan

• Although not strictly necessary, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can enhance the taste and add a creamy texture to each bowl.

Serve with a Green Salad

• A light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette balances the hearty soup and refreshes your palate.

Offer a Side of Garlic Bread

• Crunchy garlic bread sticks are perfect for dipping and make for an indulgent pairing with this wholesome soup.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for added freshness and color.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Creating the perfect Olive Garden Minestrone soup requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an exceptional dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook. You may want to add more salt or herbs according to your preference.
• Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and flavors.
• Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Cook pasta separately if you’re storing leftovers; this prevents it from becoming mushy in the broth.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Minestrone soup can enhance your meal and provide balance. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Breadsticks
   Crisp on the outside and soft inside, these breadsticks are perfect for dunking into your savory soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing adds crunch alongside your hearty soup.

3. Caprese Salad
   Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing complement to the warm soup.

4. Herbed Flatbread
   Soft flatbreads sprinkled with herbs can be served warm, making them ideal for dipping into minestrone.

5. Roasted Veggies
   Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables bring out natural sweetness and offer additional nutrients alongside your meal.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with veggies is nutritious and adds variety without overpowering the main dish.

7. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful peppers stuffed with rice and beans offer a filling side that matches well with minestrone’s heartiness.

8. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of your Olive Garden Minestrone soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Not all ingredients can be swapped out. Ensure you use appropriate substitutes like vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan version.

• Bold Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Skipping fresh herbs can affect flavor. Always include fresh parsley and spinach just before serving for the best taste.

• Bold Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on cooking times, especially during the initial sauté.

• Bold Not Tasting as You Go: Failing to taste the soup during cooking may lead to imbalanced flavors. Adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout the process.

• Bold Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth to hot ingredients can lower temperature significantly. Use warm broth to maintain heat while cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers.
• The soup is best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through (about 10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup ahead of time?

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

What can I add to Olive Garden Minestrone Soup for more protein?

You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or legumes like lentils or chickpeas for extra protein without altering the original recipe’s essence.

Is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also adjust spices according to your preference.

What if I don’t have tiny shell pasta?

You can substitute with any small pasta shape like ditalini or orzo if tiny shell pasta is unavailable.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a delightful blend of vegetables and beans simmered in a rich tomato broth. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give this copycat recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite!