Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

This comforting Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. Ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep, this soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of tomatoes, herbs, and fresh vegetables creates a savory broth that will warm your heart.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and veggies, this recipe is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it on its own or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal. Perfect for lunchboxes or dinner!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Minestrone Soup, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents spills while simmering.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes easy work of dicing ingredients, ensuring even cooking times.
• Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the soup without mess.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 2 medium carrots (diced into small cubes)
• 2 small zucchinis (diced into small cubes)
• 1/2 large onion (diced into small cubes)
• 6 celery stalks (diced into small cubes)

Broth and Beans

• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 32 oz vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 15 oz canned Great Northern beans (drained)
• 15 oz canned Kidney beans (drained)

Seasoning

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp dry basil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Other Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni recommended)

How to Make Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Preheat the pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add diced zucchini, carrots, celery, and onions.
3. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices

1. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices.
2. Stir in Italian seasoning and dry basil, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 3: Combine Broth, Beans, and Pasta

1. Pour in the vegetable broth.
2. Add kidney beans and Great Northern beans.
3. Stir in pasta to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding up to 2 cups of water if needed.

Step 4: Infuse Garlic Flavor

1. Press or stir in minced garlic into the pot.
2. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to fully infuse garlic flavor.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once everything is tender and well combined, ladle the minestrone soup into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.

How to Serve Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or an appetizer, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch to every bite of soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a savory depth to the soup.
• Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella for a melty and creamy texture that enhances the flavors.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad: This classic salad’s crispness complements the warmth of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

To ensure your Minestrone Soup turns out delicious every time, follow these simple tips.

• Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning while cooking; more herbs or spices can elevate your dish.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you have time; this deepens flavors and softens ingredients.
• Choose Pasta Wisely: Opt for small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni; they hold up well in soups.
• Add Greens Last: Stir in leafy greens like spinach or kale just before serving for added color and nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Minestrone Soup can enhance the meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make an excellent hearty side.
3. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers offers bold flavors.
4. Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries add a crunchy texture that complements the soup nicely.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring extra nutrients and flavor to the table.
6. Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia served warm is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth in your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Minestrone Soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping fresh vegetables: Using canned or frozen veggies can diminish flavor. Always opt for the freshest vegetables available to enhance taste and texture.
• Overcooking pasta: If you cook the pasta too long in the soup, it becomes mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and check for doneness.
• Ignoring seasoning balances: Too much or too little seasoning can throw off the flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings gradually.
• Neglecting broth quality: A low-quality broth can lead to bland soup. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought vegetable broth for the best flavor.
• Not adjusting consistency: If your soup becomes too thick, you might end up with stew instead. Feel free to add more water or broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe:

Can I customize my Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy such as bell peppers or spinach. You can also change up the beans or pasta shapes.

Is this Minestrone Soup gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Minestrone Soup?

Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top can also elevate the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This Minestrone Soup is naturally plant-based when made with vegetable broth and no added animal products.

Final Thoughts

This Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe is not only comforting and delicious, but it’s also versatile enough for any palate. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes for a unique twist each time you make it. Give this healthy meal a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This comforting Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe brings warmth and flavor to your dining table with a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this soup is packed with nutrients while being incredibly satisfying. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an excellent choice for any occasion, whether enjoyed solo or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal. Customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences, making every bowl uniquely yours.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium carrots
• 2 small zucchinis
• 1/2 large onion
• 6 celery stalks
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 32 oz vegetable broth
• 15 oz canned Great Northern beans
• 15 oz canned Kidney beans
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp dry basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced carrots, zucchini, celery, and onions for about 10 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, Italian seasoning, and dry basil.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and add both types of beans. Mix in the pasta and bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
5. Serve warm in bowls.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg