Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Enjoy a piping hot bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in the comforts of your home. This copycat recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. Bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables and hearty beans, this soup is not only comforting but also nutritious and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with a variety of vegetables and beans, this soup provides essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, Olive Garden Minestrone Soup fits any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup in less than an hour.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well, making it great for meal prep. Enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you’ll need some handy tools in the kitchen. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

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 quantities of soup evenly, allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Chef’s Knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving your soup into bowls without spills.

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 Base:

• 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

For the Broth:

• 16 ounces Canned Diced Tomatoes
• 4 ounces Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Green Beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 64 ounces Vegetable Broth (divided)

For the Beans & Pasta:

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

For Finishing Touches:

• 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 along with sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Cover with a lid to let the vegetables soften for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

After the initial sautéing, uncover the pot and stir in minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings

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

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Raise the heat back up until boiling again. Stir in rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and tiny shell pasta. Let these cook together for an additional 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Pour in the remaining vegetable broth. Gently fold in fresh spinach until just wilted. Sprinkle minced parsley over top just before serving for added freshness. 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 complete meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked bread provides a perfect balance to the soup. Try serving it warm with a side of butter for added richness.

Top with Grated Cheese

• A sprinkle of grated parmesan or a dairy-free cheese alternative can add a creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness that complements the hearty ingredients in the soup.

Include a Side Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich soup.

Serve with Garlic Breadsticks

• These classic accompaniments are great for dipping into the broth, adding both flavor and texture to your meal.

Enjoy with a Side of Quinoa

• This nutrient-packed grain can be served alongside the soup for added protein and fiber, making your meal even more satisfying.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Perfecting your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture in your soup. Choose seasonal veggies for optimal taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your preference for a personalized flavor.
• Cook pasta al dente: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until tender. It will continue cooking slightly after being added to the hot broth.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer deepens the flavors. Just be sure not to overcook the vegetables.
• Incorporate variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or squash for extra nutrition and color.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have leftovers, store them 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

Complement your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup with these tasty side dishes that enhance its comforting qualities.

1. Garlic Breadsticks
   Warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make an ideal pairing, perfect for dipping into the soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons that contrast nicely against the smooth broth.

3. Caprese Salad
   Combine fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil. The freshness brightens up your meal beautifully.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and provide another layer of flavor alongside your soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa for added heartiness while still being light enough not to overshadow the soup.

6. Herbed Couscous
   Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs is quick to prepare and offers a delightful texture alongside your warm soup.

7. Bruschetta
   Topped with diced tomatoes and basil on toasted baguette slices, this appetizer adds zest and freshness before enjoying your main dish.

8. Spinach Artichoke Dip
   Creamy dip served with pita chips or veggie sticks makes for a delicious starter that fits perfectly into this Italian-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup at home can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure a delicious outcome.

• Bold Ingredients Selection: Using old or expired ingredients can ruin your soup. Always check your vegetables and beans for freshness before cooking.

• Bold Ignoring the Broth: Not using enough vegetable broth can lead to a bland soup. Ensure you use the correct amount for a rich flavor.

• Bold Overcooking the Pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can make it mushy. Add it at the right time and monitor closely.

• Bold Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Neglecting to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your soup flat. Always sample before serving and tweak to your preference.

• Bold Not Utilizing Fresh Herbs: Using only dried herbs instead of fresh ones can diminish flavor. Incorporate fresh herbs for that vibrant taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup.

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 can I add to Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or kale based on your preferences!

How long does Olive Garden Minestrone Soup last?

In the refrigerator, it lasts about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use different types of beans in the soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas if desired.

What should I serve with Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or even grilled sandwiches for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is not only hearty and flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans. Give this comforting recipe a try and enjoy its warmth any time of year!