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 dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in, this soup offers a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with fresh vegetables and beans, this soup is not only tasty but also healthy and filling.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or beans, making it a customizable dish for any palate.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later enjoyment.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of seasonings and fresh ingredients creates a comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup easier. Below are essential items you’ll need to create this flavorful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
• Sharp knife: A good knife helps you chop vegetables quickly and safely, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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Ingredients

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

For the Base

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

For Seasoning

• 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

• 16 ounces Cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• 16 ounces Red Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained)

For the Pasta

• 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, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion. Place a lid on the stock pot to help soften the vegetables.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

After a few minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes while mixing often to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

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

Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Pasta

Bring your soup back up to a boil. Add rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and tiny shell pasta. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until pasta is fully cooked; mix occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Final Touches

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

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Fresh Baguette: Serve warm, crusty baguettes for dipping into the hearty broth.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the soup perfectly and adds a tasty crunch.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons provides a refreshing contrast.
• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Top with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can add a creamy texture that enhances every spoonful.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

To create the best version of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure every bowl is packed with flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies not only taste better but also maintain their nutrients, making your soup healthier.
• Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasonings to suit your palate; fresh herbs can elevate the dish further.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
2. Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella offer a light complement to the hearty soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains, veggies, or beans, they provide an additional filling option alongside the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add a delicious and healthy side.
5. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad mixed with herbs and vegetables offers a nutritious balance.
6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta can be served as a comforting side that pairs well with minestrone soup.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the Vegetable Prep: Properly chopping and slicing your vegetables ensures even cooking. Take the time to prep your carrots, celery, and zucchini uniformly.

• Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season your soup while cooking can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning at the right stages for maximum flavor.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the tiny shell pasta for too long can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.

• Not Using Enough Broth: Insufficient broth can result in a thick soup that lacks depth. Always measure out the vegetable broth accurately to ensure a rich consistency.

• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle it in just before serving for the best taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

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

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Olive Garden Minestrone Soup:

What Ingredients Are In Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is made with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, green beans, various beans, tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, fresh spinach, and herbs.

Is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Vegan?

Yes! This recipe omits animal products and uses plant-based ingredients like vegetables and beans.

How Long Does Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Last?

In the refrigerator, it lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it properly, it can last up to 3 months.

Can I Customize Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or swap out beans based on what you have on hand or prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe brings warmth and comfort right into your home. Its hearty mix of vegetables and beans makes it not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!