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 gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep, this delightful soup is both nutritious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Packed with Flavor – A perfect blend of spices and fresh vegetables creates an irresistible taste that rivals restaurant versions.
• Versatile Ingredients – Customize the veggies or beans based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy Comfort Food – Low in calories but high in nutrition, this soup is a guilt-free way to indulge.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Stock Pot
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Stock Pot – Ideal for cooking large batches of soup, allowing all ingredients to blend well.
• Cutting Board – Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring clean and efficient preparation.
• Chef’s Knife – A versatile tool that makes slicing and dicing quick and easy, saving you time in the kitchen.

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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 chock-full of vegetables and beans in a rich tomato broth.

Vegetable Ingredients

• 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

Broth & Beans

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

Pasta & Greens

• ½ cup Tiny Shell Pasta
• 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 over medium heat, add the olive oil, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion. Cover with a lid to allow the vegetables to soften for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

Remove the lid and add minced garlic along with diced zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes while mixing occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, green beans, and tomato paste. Mix well before adding vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Bring the mixture back up to a boil. Add rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and tiny shell pasta. Cook for another 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender while stirring 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 minced parsley into the soup and mix well. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving Olive Garden Minestrone soup is an opportunity to enhance its flavors and create a comforting meal. Below are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread to complement the soup’s flavors perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Although not required, adding freshly grated Parmesan can enhance the flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil or Oregano: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs for an added burst of freshness.

As Part of a Meal

• Salad on the Side: A light side salad with vinaigrette adds balance and freshness to your meal.
• Sandwich Combo: Serve alongside a veggie sandwich or wrap for a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Perfecting your Olive Garden Minestrone soup can turn a good dish into an extraordinary one. Here are some tips to ensure you create the best version possible.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs and spices to truly capture the essence of Italian cuisine.
• Variety of Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or kale for additional nutrients and flavors.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately can prevent it from getting mushy in the soup and allows for better texture control.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply reduce the amount of broth; conversely, add more broth for a lighter consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Minestrone soup can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing complements the warmth of the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a delightful appetizer.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables add heartiness to your meal.
5. Grilled Veggies: A medley of seasonal grilled vegetables brings additional flavors and nutrients to your table.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed with veggies offers a nice contrast in temperature and texture while being filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using canned or frozen vegetables instead of fresh can lead to a less vibrant soup. Always opt for fresh produce when possible.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long in the soup can make it mushy. Add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to maintain its shape.

• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings as you cook may result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

• Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor-quality vegetable broth can dull the overall flavor of your Minestrone. Use a good-quality broth or homemade stock for the best results.

• Forgetting to Stir Occasionally: Failing to stir the soup regularly may cause ingredients to stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Not Allowing Time for Flavors to Meld: Rushing through cooking without letting the flavors develop can lead to an unbalanced taste. Allow your soup to simmer adequately for full flavor extraction.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Let the soup cool before sealing it in containers to prevent condensation.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this delicious Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe, here are some common inquiries answered.

Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

What vegetables work best in Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

You can add any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers or peas, to enhance flavor and nutrition.

How can I customize my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Feel free to add different beans or grains like quinoa for extra protein and texture. You can also add more spices for a kick!

How long does Olive Garden Minestrone Soup last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is not only hearty but also versatile. With its rich tomato base filled with fresh vegetables and beans, it’s perfect for any occasion. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love making it again and again!