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 packed full of vegetables and beans in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or meal prep, this soup is a delightful way to nourish your soul while savoring its vibrant flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup provides essential vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or side; it pairs well with crusty bread or a refreshing salad.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals on busy days.
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. 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
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: Essential for cooking large quantities of soup evenly.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor balance in your soup.

Ingredients

To create this savory Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Seasonings and Tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 16 ounces Canned Diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces Tomato Paste

Beans and Broth

• 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 and 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, celery, and diced onions. Cover the pot with a lid to allow the vegetables to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

Once the vegetables begin to soften, add minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes while stirring frequently.

Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings and Tomatoes

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

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Increase the heat back to boiling. Add rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and tiny shell pasta to the pot. Cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach

Pour in the remaining vegetable broth. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Just before serving, sprinkle minced parsley into the soup. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a warm, crusty bread like a sourdough or baguette for dipping. The bread absorbs the rich broth beautifully.

Topped with Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving. The cheese adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavor.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Serve with a light side salad dressed in vinaigrette. This adds freshness and balances the heartiness of the soup.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in an edible bread bowl. This makes for an impressive presentation and is perfect for dipping!

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also enhances its aromatic profile.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

To make your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Opt for fresh, seasonal vegetables for brighter flavors and better texture.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to achieve the perfect balance.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook tiny shell pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving, preventing it from becoming mushy in the soup.

• Let It Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deepened flavors. A longer cook time melds all the ingredients beautifully.

• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans to diversify textures and flavors in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

A well-paired side dish can complement Olive Garden Minestrone Soup perfectly. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of flavorful broth.

2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella helps brighten up your meal.

3. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers for a flavorful appetizer that pairs well with soup.

4. Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce topped with croutons and Caesar dressing adds crunch alongside your warm soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables provide a hearty side that complements the soup’s flavors.

6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and bring out natural sweetness, enhancing your meal’s overall experience.

7. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad tossed with veggies offers a delightful contrast to the warm minestrone.

8. Cheesy Flatbread: Warm flatbread topped with melted cheese makes for an irresistible side that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the final dish.

• Skipping the seasoning – Failing to properly season your soup can leave it bland. Make sure to add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning at the right stages for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking vegetables – Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on cooking times, especially for carrots and celery, to maintain a nice bite.
• Not using enough broth – Using insufficient broth can lead to a thick or dry soup. Always measure your vegetable broth accurately for the best consistency.
• Ignoring pasta cooking time – Adding pasta too soon or cooking it too long can ruin its texture. Follow the timing closely to ensure it remains al dente.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients – Fresh herbs like parsley and spinach are essential for flavor. Add them just before serving to keep their vibrant taste and color.

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 Minestrone Soup

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

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Minestrone Soup that many home cooks ask.

Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already plant-based, making it perfect for vegan diets!

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

You can store this soup in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

What vegetables can I add to Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Feel free to customize by adding other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or peas based on your preference.

Can I use different beans in my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Yes! You can substitute with any variety of beans you prefer or have on hand.

Is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties instead of tiny shell pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans. Whether enjoyed as a main course or paired with bread, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Give this recipe a try and savor every comforting spoonful!