Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

This Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With a medley of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta in a rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for family or hosting friends, this recipe offers comfort and nutrition in every bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s both nutritious and filling.
• Versatile Meal: Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized touch.
• Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day.
• Comfort Food Favorite: The warm, savory broth is perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a hearty meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Minestrone Soup easily, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will simplify your cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while preparing vegetables safely.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and efficient chopping of ingredients.

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Ingredients

This comforting Minestrone Soup recipe is an Olive Garden copycat that combines fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for a hearty and healthy meal, it offers a delicious blend of textures and classic Italian seasoning, ready in under an hour.

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)

Seasonings and Extras

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp dry basil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 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: Preheat the Pot

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

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

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

Step 3: Combine Broth, Beans, and Pasta

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the kidney and Great Northern beans. Add pasta and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and flavors to meld. If the soup thickens too much, add up to 2 more cups of water to adjust consistency.

Step 4: Infuse Garlic Flavor

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

Step 5: Serve Warm

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

Enjoy this delicious Minestrone Soup that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul!

How to Serve Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Minestrone Soup is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances the flavors and makes for a satisfying meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or French Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These add a flavorful twist and are wonderful for soaking up the broth.

With Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Tossed with a light vinaigrette, this salad adds brightness to your meal.

Topped with Parmesan

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling freshly grated cheese on top adds richness and depth to each bowl of soup.

With a Side of Grains

• Quinoa or Brown Rice: Serving grains alongside or mixed into the soup boosts nutrition and adds texture.

How to Perfect Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Achieving the perfect Minestrone Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a brighter flavor profile.
• Adjust thickness: If the soup thickens too much, add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Add variety: Feel free to include seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
• Serve hot: This dish is best enjoyed hot, so ensure it’s heated through before serving.
• Customize pasta: Choose your favorite small pasta shape for different textures—ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even gluten-free options work well!

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

Pairing side dishes with Minestrone Soup makes for a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious suggestions.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar complement the soup’s flavors.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables add a hearty touch to your meal.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: These light appetizers provide a crunchy contrast and can be dipped in soy sauce.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring extra flavor and nutrition to your table.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers offers an Italian flair.
6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese make a delightful addition that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Minestrone Soup can be straightforward, but it’s easy to make common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your Olive Garden copycat version turns out perfectly.

• Not prepping ingredients properly: Failing to dice vegetables evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Take the time to cut each vegetable into small, uniform pieces for consistent texture.
• Ignoring the simmering time: Skipping the simmering step can result in less flavorful broth. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can make it mushy. Add the pasta halfway through the cooking process and check for doneness regularly.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth will lead to a tasteless soup. Always choose a high-quality vegetable broth or make your own for rich flavor.
• Forgetting about seasoning: Not adding enough herbs and spices will dull the taste. Be generous with Italian seasoning and basil, adjusting to your preference as needed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover minestrone soup in airtight containers.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, usually around 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe.

Can I use different vegetables in my Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your minestrone by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or green beans based on your preference.

How long does it take to prepare this Minestrone Soup?

The total time for preparing this recipe is around 45 minutes, including both prep and cook time.

Is this Minestrone Soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions after cooking.

Can I make this Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already plant-based as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products, making it a fantastic vegan option.

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are recommended as they hold their shape well and complement the soup’s texture.

Final Thoughts

This Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give it a try for a healthy meal that warms both body and soul!