Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

This comforting Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or a nutritious lunch, offering a heartwarming taste of Italy right at home. With its vibrant colors and robust flavors, this soup is not only satisfying but also healthy, making it suitable for various occasions, from family gatherings to meal prep for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes under an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: A delicious mix of vegetables and spices creates a hearty and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
Nutritious: Packed with beans and veggies, this soup is loaded with fiber and essential nutrients.
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes for a unique twist each time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Minestrone Soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will help you prepare your ingredients efficiently and cook them perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while providing enough space to combine all ingredients.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping vegetables ensures safety and efficiency in preparation.
Sharp knife: Facilitates easy cutting of vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ladle: Helps serve the soup without spilling, ensuring a neat presentation.

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 & 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 & Pasta

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 your large pot over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
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 & Seasoning

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

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

Step 4: Incorporate Garlic

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 your homemade Minestrone Soup!

How to Serve Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or complementing it with sides, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping and savoring every spoonful.
Garlic Bread: Add a twist by pairing the soup with garlic bread for an extra flavor boost.

Topped with Parmesan

Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory finish to each bowl.

With a Salad

Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers makes for a refreshing side.
Caesar Salad: For a heartier option, serve a classic Caesar salad alongside your minestrone.

In a Bread Bowl

Bread Bowl Presentation: Hollow out small round loaves of bread and serve the soup inside for an impressive and delicious display.

How to Perfect Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Perfecting your minestrone soup can elevate your cooking. Here are some tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

Bold Flavors: Sauté the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized for deeper flavors.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs instead of dried when possible, as they provide more vibrant tastes.
Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Cook Pasta Separately: Consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup ahead of time; flavors develop beautifully when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.

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

Minestrone soup pairs wonderfully with various sides that enhance its comforting nature. Here are some great options to consider.

Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses provides a tasty array of flavors.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and herbs make for a hearty side dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned with herbs complement the soup’s ingredients perfectly.
Polenta Cakes: Crispy polenta cakes offer a delightful crunch when paired with the soft minestrone.
Crostini with Hummus: Toasted bread topped with creamy hummus adds another layer of taste while being easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Minestrone Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

Skipping Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the flavor. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible for a vibrant taste.
Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until they are tender but still retain some crunch.
Not Adding Enough Liquid: A thick soup can be unappetizing. Ensure you have enough broth and water to keep the soup at your desired consistency.
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor intensity. Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Using Wrong Pasta Shapes: Larger pasta shapes can overpower the soup. Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I customize the Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe?

Definitely! You can add your favorite vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand.

How can I make this Minestrone Soup vegan?

Simply ensure all ingredients are plant-based, especially the broth, and omit any animal-derived products.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.

How long does it take to make this Minestrone Soup?

From prep to table, this recipe takes about 45 minutes, making it a quick option for busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

This Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies and beans. It’s perfect as a cozy dinner option that satisfies both warm cravings and health-conscious choices.