Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Enjoy a piping hot bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in the comforts of your home. This delightful copycat recipe brings together a colorful medley of vegetables and hearty beans in rich tomato broth, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual get-together, this soup is sure to warm hearts and satisfy cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this comforting soup ready in no time.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and beans, this soup is both healthy and filling.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side, this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup suits various dining occasions.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of fresh herbs and spices enhances the taste, delivering a delicious and aromatic experience.
• Make Ahead Option: Great for meal prep, this soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: Ideal for simmering soups, allowing all ingredients to cook evenly without spilling over.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps chop vegetables quickly and safely, making prep work efficient.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring even mixing of ingredients.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 carrots (sliced)
• 4 ribs celery (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 zucchini (diced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Broth & Beans

• 16 ounces Canned Diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces Tomato Paste
• 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 & Greens

• ½ cup Tiny Shell Pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon Parsley (minced)

How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the olive oil, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion. Cover the pot with a lid to let the vegetables soften slightly as they cook.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings

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

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

After simmering, bring the soup back up to a boil. Add the rinsed cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and tiny shell pasta. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach

Pour in the remaining 32 ounces of vegetable broth. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Just before serving, sprinkle with minced parsley for added flavor. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Serving Olive Garden Minestrone soup can elevate your meal experience. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its taste.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Italian Bread – A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up the delicious broth.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons complements the hearty minestrone and adds a refreshing contrast.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Basil or Parsley – Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped herbs to boost flavor and add a vibrant touch.

Include Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grate some Parmesan over the soup for an added layer of richness and depth.

Serve with Crackers

• Whole Grain Crackers – A handful of whole grain crackers on the side offers a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.

Offer Lemon Wedges

• Fresh Lemon – Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice into your bowl right before eating for a zesty kick that brightens the flavors.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

To ensure your Olive Garden Minestrone soup is as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips for enhancing your recipe.

• Use Fresh Vegetables – Fresh vegetables provide more flavor and nutrients compared to canned options.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
• Simmer Longer for Depth – Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances the flavors as ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Cook Pasta Separately – For better texture, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Incorporate Seasonal Veggies – Use seasonal vegetables for variety and freshness, making each batch unique.
• Store Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen over time.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Minestrone soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter is perfect for dipping into the hearty broth.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Filled with rice, beans, and spices, these peppers complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add a savory touch that pairs well with the minestrone.
5. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh herbs provides a nutritious side that balances the meal.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory minestrone soup.
7. Zucchini Fritters – Crispy fritters made from zucchini are an excellent way to add more veggies to your meal.
8. Cheesy Garlic Knots – Soft knots brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with cheese make for a fun side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, certain mistakes can hinder your soup’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using stale vegetables: Always choose fresh, vibrant vegetables for the best flavor. Avoid old or wilted produce that can make your soup taste bland.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables before adding liquids enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for a rich broth.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can lead to mushy results. Add it towards the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasonings throughout the cooking process is key. Don’t assume you got it right on the first try; flavors develop as they cook.

• Not using enough broth: A watery soup lacks depth. Ensure you use enough vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.

• Forgetting about garnishes: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor at serving time. Don’t forget to sprinkle parsley or other fresh herbs before serving!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Freeze in portion-sized containers.
• Best enjoyed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Minestrone Soup:

How can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegan?

You can easily make this soup vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based. Use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based additions.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or kale based on your preference.

What beans can I use in my minestra?

While cannellini and kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans or chickpeas if you prefer.

How long does Olive Garden Minestrone Soup last?

The soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months if stored properly.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and satisfying. Its blend of fresh vegetables and hearty beans makes it a comforting choice any day of the week. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients—this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!