Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

An easy copycat Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe for that hearty, flavorful vegetarian (and vegan!) soup you know and love. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or just a comforting bowl on a chilly day. The vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs create a delightful experience that will take you back to the restaurant. Serve it with warm breadsticks and a fresh salad to enjoy the full experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses staples that are easy to find in most kitchens, making it accessible for everyone.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables ensures a rich, savory flavor that satisfies any palate.
• Versatile Dish: This minestrone soup can be customized with your favorite vegetables or pasta types, allowing for endless variations.
• Hearty & Healthy: Packed with beans and greens, this soup is not only filling but also nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. These kitchen essentials will help you prepare this comforting dish with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepot (6-8 quart)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepot: Perfect for cooking large batches of soup; its size prevents spills while simmering.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

An easy copycat Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe for that hearty, flavorful vegetarian (and vegan!) soup you know and love. Serve with breadsticks and salad to get the full restaurant experience!

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion (peeled and chopped)
– ¾ cup sliced carrots
– ½ cup sliced celery
– 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 32 ounces vegetable broth
– 14 ounces diced tomatoes
– ¼ cup tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– ¼ – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
– 15 ounces canned kidney beans (drained)
– 15 ounces canned great northern beans (drained)
– ¾ cup frozen cut green beans
– ½ cup small dried pasta (shells, ditalini, macaroni)
– 1 small zucchini (halved and sliced)
– 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
– 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Chop all necessary vegetables including the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, zucchini, and parsley.
• Measure out all other ingredients to ensure everything is ready for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Set a large saucepot over medium heat.
• Add the olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
• Generously season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4–6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Broth & Seasonings

• Pour in the vegetable broth along with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper if using.
• Stir well to combine ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans & Pasta

• Once boiling, stir in the kidney beans, great northern beans, green beans, and small dried pasta.
• Stir well again. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes while stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Greens

• Add in the sliced zucchini and baby spinach leaves along with chopped parsley.
• Stir gently and let simmer for another 2 minutes. Taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy this delightful Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe warm!

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Serving your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup enhances its flavors and creates a delightful experience. Consider these suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Breadsticks

• Traditional Choice: Pair with warm, buttery breadsticks for that classic restaurant feel.

Fresh Salad

• Refreshing Addition: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty soup perfectly.

Parmesan Cheese

• Optional Topping: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.

Crusty Bread

• Dipping Delight: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Garlic Toast

• Savory Side: Crispy garlic toast pairs wonderfully, adding crunch and flavor to each spoonful of soup.

Lemon Wedges

• Zesty Twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the soup, adding a refreshing touch.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Mastering this recipe can make your minestrone soup even more delicious. Here are some tips to help you perfect it.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for enhanced flavor and texture in your soup.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your preference.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For a firmer texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.

• Add More Greens: Experiment with different greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and flavor.

• Slow Cook Option: For deeper flavors, let the soup simmer longer or use a slow cooker for several hours.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Completing your meal with complementary side dishes can enhance your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing taste that pairs well with soup.

2. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide a hearty side that works beautifully alongside the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth and nutrition to your meal.

4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting addition to your dining experience.

5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic offers a crunchy contrast to the soft soup.

6. Veggie Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies provide an Asian twist that’s fun to eat alongside the soup.

7. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds protein while keeping the meal light.

8. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins serve as a delightful complement to the savory minestrone soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Sauté: Not sautéing the vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always take the time to sauté onions, garlic, and other veggies in olive oil to develop rich flavors.
• Ignoring Bean Preparation: Using unprepared canned beans can result in a gritty texture. Make sure to drain and rinse your beans thoroughly before adding them to the soup.
• Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the pasta too long in the soup, it can become mushy. Add pasta towards the end of cooking and keep an eye on it for perfect al dente texture.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is a key component of this dish. Choose a high-quality vegetable broth for a richer taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient has its own flavor, which may require tweaking seasoning. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common queries regarding our Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe.

Can I make this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.

How long does it take to prepare this soup?

The total time for this recipe is approximately 40 minutes, including both prep and cooking times.

What vegetables can I add to this minestrone?

Feel free to customize your minestrone by adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or kale according to your preference!

Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely! You can swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Final Thoughts

The Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe is not only hearty but also packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand. Whether served as an appetizer or main course alongside breadsticks, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try today!