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 delicious dish is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week. With its vibrant vegetables and rich broth, this soup will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans and vegetables, this minestrone soup provides a satisfying meal without weighing you down.
• Quick to Prepare: In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a homemade bowl of this classic soup.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or pasta shapes for a personalized touch.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe caters to both vegetarian and vegan diets, making it a great choice for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large 6-8 quart saucepot: This size allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly while giving enough room for bubbling soups.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even pieces that cook uniformly.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, it helps combine all the ingredients smoothly.

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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!

Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (peeled and chopped)
• ¾ cup sliced carrots
• ½ cup sliced celery
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small zucchini (halved and sliced)
• 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach

Broth Base

• 32 ounces vegetable broth
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Beans and Pasta

• 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)

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping all necessary vegetables. Set your large saucepot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the olive oil to the pot.
2. Once hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
3. Generously salt and pepper them before sautéing for about 4-6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Create the Broth Base

1. Pour in the vegetable broth along with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper if desired.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

1. Stir in the kidney beans, great northern beans, green beans, and pasta once boiling.
2. Simmer for about 8-10 minutes with a partially covered lid.
3. Stir every two minutes to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Greens

1. Finally, mix in the sliced zucchini, spinach leaves, and parsley.
2. Stir well and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Taste your soup before serving warm; adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy your hearty Olive Garden minestrone soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Serving your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is an enjoyable experience that can elevate your meal. This hearty soup pairs well with various sides, enhancing its flavors and making for a complete dining experience.

With Fresh Breadsticks

• Freshly baked breadsticks add a delightful crunch and are perfect for dipping into the soup.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A crisp side salad with vinaigrette complements the warm soup and adds freshness to your meal.

Topped with Parmesan Cheese

• Grate some vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese over the soup for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Served with Garlic Toast

• Crunchy garlic toast provides a savory contrast to the soft vegetables in the soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor just before serving.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

To achieve the best version of your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both taste and texture.

• Use fresh vegetables: Opt for fresh produce instead of frozen or canned options when possible. This increases flavor and nutritional value.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste your soup as it simmers. Adjust salt, pepper, and spice levels to suit your preferences.
• Cook pasta separately: For better texture, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other herbs or spices such as thyme or bay leaves for additional depth of flavor.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have leftovers, cool them quickly and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice; its buttery flavor complements the hearty soup perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess that balances the warmth of the soup.
3. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, pickled vegetables, and marinated artichokes brings variety to your table.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables enhance nutrition and provide a colorful addition to your meal.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella create a light yet flavorful side that pairs wonderfully.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can serve as a filling side dish while maintaining the Italian theme of your dinner.
7. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs adds protein and fiber while keeping things light.
8. Zucchini Fritters: Crunchy fritters bring a fun twist and pair well with the flavors of minestrone soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your soup.

• Bold phrase: Skipping the sauté step. Sautéing the vegetables at the beginning enhances their flavor. Always take the time to sauté them for 4-6 minutes until softened.

• Bold phrase: Not seasoning properly. Forgetting to season during cooking can lead to bland flavor. Season your soup with salt and pepper at various stages for a well-rounded taste.

• Bold phrase: Overcooking the pasta. Cooked pasta can become mushy in soup. Add it during simmering and keep an eye on it, stirring every couple of minutes.

• Bold phrase: Using low-quality broth. The broth is a key ingredient that affects flavor. Use high-quality vegetable broth for the best tasting results.

• Bold phrase: Ignoring fresh herbs. Fresh herbs add brightness to your soup. Don’t skip adding parsley or any fresh herbs just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your minestrone soup in airtight containers.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

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

Reheating Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe.

What makes this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe special?

This recipe is special because it captures the hearty flavors of a classic Italian minestrone while being entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or kale or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

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

The soup lasts up to 5 days when stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Is this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This minestrone is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute canned beans with whatever you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. You can tweak ingredients based on what you have available or prefer. Serve it with breadsticks or a salad for a complete meal; you won’t be disappointed!