Easy Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup is a beloved Italian-American classic that brings the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal straight to your table. This hearty, vegetable-packed soup is brimming with a colorful medley of fresh zucchini, spinach, carrots, celery, and onions, complemented by tender beans and al dente pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato-based broth infused with aromatic Italian herbs. 

Perfect as a starter or a light meal on its own, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that can easily be recreated in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to replicate the restaurant experience or simply want a nourishing and delicious soup, this Minestrone recipe is sure to satisfy.

Why will you love this recipe?

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful soup that’s both easy to make and packed with nutrition, Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup is the perfect choice. This beloved recipe combines the best of Italian flavors with a hearty mix of vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is not only delicious but also provides a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal. 
• Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a comforting bowl of Minestrone in no time. 
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s also naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping the Parmesan cheese. 
• Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of tender vegetables, hearty beans, and pasta in a savory broth makes this soup incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day or for a light yet filling meal. 
• Great for Leftovers: Minestrone soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers or frozen for future meals.

Key Notes

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Colander
• Can Opener

olive garden minestrone soup ingredients

Making olive garden minestrone soup recipe

Sauté the Vegetables: 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. 
• Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. 

Add the Broth and Tomatoes: 

• Stir in the diced zucchini, canned tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth. 
• Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. 

Simmer the Soup: 

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. 

Add the Beans and Pasta: 

• Stir in the drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, and shell pasta. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. 

Finish and Serve: 

• Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 
• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Secret Tips For Better Results

For an even more flavorful and authentic Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, there are a few extra tips and tricks that can elevate your dish to the next level. These secrets can help you achieve a richer, more balanced flavor, and ensure that every spoonful is perfectly satisfying. Here are some insider tips for the best results: 

• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh basil, oregano, and thyme can add a burst of vibrant flavor that really enhances the soup. Add them towards the end of cooking for maximum freshness. 
• Roast the Vegetables: For a deeper, richer flavor, try roasting the carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes before adding them to the soup. This caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, adding an extra layer of taste. 
• Simmer Low and Slow: Allowing the soup to simmer on low heat for an extended period lets the flavors meld together beautifully. If you have the time, let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour for a more developed taste. 
• Season Gradually: Instead of adding all the salt and pepper at once, season the soup in stages. Taste and adjust as you go, especially after adding the broth and beans, to ensure the flavors are well-balanced. 
• Add a Parmesan Rind: If you have a rind of Parmesan cheese, toss it into the pot as the soup simmers. It adds a subtle umami flavor that takes the soup to another level. Just remember to remove it before serving.

Flavor Variations

If you’re looking to put your own twist on Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup, there are plenty of flavor variations you can try. These creative adjustments allow you to customize the soup to your taste preferences or to match what you have on hand. Here are some exciting flavor variations: 

• Spicy Minestrone: Add a kick to your soup by incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. You can also stir in a spoonful of harissa or Sriracha for an extra layer of heat. 
• Pesto Minestrone: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto towards the end of cooking. The pesto will add a rich, herbaceous flavor and a touch of creaminess to the soup. 
• Mediterranean Twist: Enhance the soup with Mediterranean flavors by adding ingredients like chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top would also be a great addition. 
• Smoky Minestrone: For a smoky depth of flavor, add smoked paprika to the soup or include smoked sausage slices. You can also use smoked tomatoes if available. Creamy 
• Minestrone: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after the soup has finished cooking. This adds a luxurious texture and a richer flavor profile.

Storage Guidelines

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup from getting watery.
• Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days.
• If you want to store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving some space for the soup to expand. Label the container with the date. Minestrone Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When reheating from the refrigerator, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
• If you’re freezing the soup, it’s best to leave the pasta out or cook it separately and add it when reheating. Pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. 

Storage Tips: If you have added delicate ingredients like spinach or fresh herbs, it’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To make your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing it with some complimentary side dishes. These options will enhance the flavors of the soup and provide a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Crispy Chicken Cutlet
• Frontier Scallops
• Neva’s Potatoes
• Mexican Hot Chocolate

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup is a delightful and versatile recipe that combines the heartiness of Italian cuisine with the comfort of a well-loved classic. Its rich, tomato-based broth and hearty mix of vegetables, beans, and pasta create a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with complementary sides, this soup offers a delicious and wholesome option for any time of year. 

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup is a popular menu item at the restaurant and is a hearty, vegetarian soup filled with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato-based broth. The soup typically includes ingredients like zucchini, spinach, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and shell pasta, all seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. It’s a classic and comforting dish, especially for those looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 112 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle
• Measuring Cups And Spoons
• Colander
• Can Opener

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 medium carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 medium zucchini diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup small shell pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
• Stir in the diced zucchini, canned tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth.
• Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, and shell pasta. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
• Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Keyword Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe