Olive Garden Minestrone Soup has been a comfort food staple in my house for years, and I’m so excited to share my favorite Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that just warms you up from the inside out. I remember the first time I tried to recreate that authentic Olive Garden Minestrone Soup taste at home; I was determined to get that rich, savory broth and the perfect blend of vegetables just right. This copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe delivers exactly that—a bowl full of hearty goodness with tender vegetables, satisfying beans, and perfectly cooked pasta. Let’s get cooking this delicious homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup!
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
You’re going to adore this soup because it’s so much more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! Here’s why this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe will become a favorite:
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- You get that authentic Olive Garden Minestrone Soup taste without leaving your kitchen.
- Packed with a rainbow of healthy, fresh vegetables for amazing flavor and texture.
- This copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is budget-friendly compared to dining out.
- It’s a hearty and filling meal that satisfies even serious cravings.
- The savory broth is deeply flavorful and comforting.
- It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables and fiber into your diet.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Ingredients
Gathering these fresh ingredients is the first step to creating your very own Olive Garden Minestrone Soup at home. This recipe features a wonderful medley of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegetables and hearty additions that make it so satisfying. We’ll use 2 tablespoons olive oil to start our sauté, followed by 1 large onion, chopped, 2 carrots, chopped, and 2 celery stalks, chopped for our aromatic base. Don’t forget 2 cloves garlic, minced for that essential garlic punch! We’ll also include 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme for classic Italian herbs, plus a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for a hint of warmth. For the liquid gold, we need 8 cups vegetable broth and 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. The stars of the show are definitely the beans: 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed and 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed. Plenty of delicious Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegetables like 1 cup chopped zucchini and 1 cup chopped yellow squash add freshness. Finally, to make it a complete meal, we add 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) which is the perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup pasta. Remember to season with Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and have Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish ready.
How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Whipping up this delicious Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can recreate that beloved restaurant taste right in your own kitchen!
- Step 1: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your aromatics: 1 large onion, chopped, 2 carrots, chopped, and 2 celery stalks, chopped. Sauté these hearty vegetables until they start to soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will already start smelling amazing!
- Step 2: Now, stir in the minced garlic – 2 cloves garlic, minced – along with your dried herbs: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. If you like a little warmth, add that 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes now. Cook for just about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until all those wonderful aromas are released.
- Step 3: Pour in the 8 cups vegetable broth and add the 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Step 4: It’s time for the beans and tender veggies! Stir in the 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed, the 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, plus the 1 cup chopped zucchini and 1 cup chopped yellow squash. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld and the vegetables to become perfectly tender. This is a key step for that authentic Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup flavor.
- Step 5: Add the 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) to the simmering soup. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but still with a slight bite.
- Step 6: Taste your creation and season the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup generously with Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed until it’s just right for your palate.
- Step 7: Ladle this incredible Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of Fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup at home!
Pro Tips for the Best Authentic Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Achieving that perfect restaurant-quality flavor at home is totally doable with a few insider tricks. These tips will elevate your Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup from good to truly unforgettable.
- For a richer, more savory Olive Garden Minestrone Soup broth, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup as it simmers. Just remove it before serving!
- Don’t be afraid to use a variety of fresh Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegetables. A mix of seasonal produce adds complexity and visual appeal.
- Always cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid and soften as the soup sits.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the beans and pasta.
What’s the secret to perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?
The real secret lies in building layers of flavor. A good soffritto (sautéed onion, carrot, celery), quality vegetable broth, and a touch of dried herbs create that signature depth in the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup broth. For more tips on building flavor, check out our guide on focaccia bread secrets and recipes.
Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Easy Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is actually better made a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully, and the vegetables absorb the delicious broth, making it even more flavorful. You can find more make-ahead meal ideas on our latest recipes page.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?
A common pitfall is overcooking the pasta, making it mushy. Always cook it al dente. Also, avoid adding salt too early; wait until the end to adjust seasoning, as the broth and canned ingredients can be salty. For more cooking advice, explore our tips on Italian herbs and cheese bread.
Best Ways to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Serving this hearty soup is all about enhancing its comforting and classic Italian-American appeal. The wonderful Olive Garden Minestrone Soup flavor profile, with its savory broth and medley of vegetables, pairs beautifully with simple, complementary sides. For a truly authentic experience, consider serving it with crusty bread for dipping into that delicious broth – a classic pairing that’s hard to beat. A simple side salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, also offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness. Some people even enjoy a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory goodness! If you’re looking for a great bread to serve alongside, try our homemade cheese bread.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Nutrition
Enjoying a hearty bowl of this delicious soup at home doesn’t mean derailing your healthy eating goals. This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is packed with vegetables and fiber, making it a smart choice for a satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy options, explore our healthy Kit Kat recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Storing and reheating this wonderful Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is simple, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors whenever you crave them. Proper Easy Olive Garden Minestrone Soup storage means you can savor this deliciousness for days to come. Once your soup has cooled completely, which usually takes about an hour or two at room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, it will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a fantastic option; it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags.
To reheat your soup, you have a couple of easy methods. On the stovetop, gently warm it in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating. Whichever method you choose, your delicious Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup will be ready to enjoy! For more quick meal ideas, check out our sloppy joe bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
I get asked all sorts of questions about making this soup at home, and I’m happy to answer them! Here are a few common ones that might help you nail this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe.
Is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegetarian?
Yes, the classic Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is indeed vegetarian! This recipe uses vegetable broth and a bounty of vegetables and beans, making it a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option. You won’t miss the meat at all.
Can this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! This Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is already very close to vegan. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan and that there are no dairy products used in any optional additions you might consider. It’s a great Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegan option.
What is the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup flavor profile?
The Olive Garden Minestrone Soup flavor profile is characterized by a savory, herb-infused vegetable broth, tender-cooked vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and squash, hearty beans such as kidney and cannellini, and small pasta. It’s comforting, slightly herbaceous, and deeply satisfying.
How do I make the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup broth richer?
To achieve a richer Olive Garden Minestrone Soup broth, you can simmer the soup with a Parmesan cheese rind. The rind slowly releases savory flavor into the liquid as it cooks. Just remember to remove it before serving!
Variations of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you might want to experiment with different twists! These variations offer fun ways to change up the texture and flavor, providing a delightful Olive Garden Minestrone Soup taste comparison.
- Heartier Version: For an even more substantial meal, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken. This moves away from the vegetarian base but adds a lovely depth.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the initial sauté. This offers a noticeable difference in the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the small pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety or omit it entirely. The soup is still incredibly satisfying with all the vegetables and beans.
- Slow Cooker Method: For a hands-off approach, sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients (except pasta) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For more slow cooker recipes, check out our slow cooker pot roast.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup: 7 Amazing Tips
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. This copycat version captures the authentic taste of the popular Italian-American restaurant’s classic soup, packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped yellow squash
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, zucchini, and yellow squash. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Season the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving this delicious Olive Garden Minestrone Soup.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as green beans, spinach, or peas.
- This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will meld even further.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe, Authentic Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, Easy Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, Olive Garden Minestrone Soup ingredients, Olive Garden Minestrone Soup nutrition, Olive Garden Minestrone Soup at home
