Introduction to Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? Especially when it’s an Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, bursting with flavor and goodness. I remember the first time I slurped down this hearty Italian dish at Olive Garden. The rich broth and vibrant veggies danced together like a cozy hug!
This recipe is perfect for busy days, offering a quick solution that satisfies your hunger and warms your soul. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your loved ones with your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that comes together effortlessly. It’s quick, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal meal for those chaotic weeknights. The warmth of the broth and freshness of the veggies create comfort with every spoonful. Plus, it’s vegetarian, so it’s perfect for everyone at the table. Who wouldn’t love a hearty, wholesome bowl of goodness?
Ingredients for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
To craft your own bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you’ll need a delightful mix of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll be gathering:
- Olive oil: This is your base for sautéing, adding a rich flavor that makes everything better.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the soup, making it aromatic.
- Celery: Sliced celery adds a satisfying crunch and freshness in every spoonful.
- Carrots: Peeled, quartered, and sliced, carrots provide color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Zucchini: Quartered and sliced zucchini adds a tender texture and vibrant green goodness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with its signature aroma, making it irresistible.
- Salt and pepper: A sprinkle of these is essential to enhance the flavors in your soup.
- Diced tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes gives the soup a juicy base and tangy flavor.
- Vegetable broth: This serves as the heart and soul of your soup, providing rich and comforting depth.
- Tomato paste: A touch of tomato paste thickens the broth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings a delightful Italian flair that dances on your palate.
- Small white beans: Drain and rinse a can to add protein and creaminess to your soup.
- Kidney beans: Also drained and rinsed, these contribute a hearty bite and stunning color.
- Frozen cut green beans: They add texture and a pop of color, easily found in your freezer aisle!
- Small shell pasta: This fun shape captures the flavors of the soup perfectly.
- Baby spinach leaves: Fresh spinach will wilt beautifully into the hot broth, adding nutrients.
- Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of parsley at the end brings freshness and a bright touch.
Feel free to be creative! Include any additional vegetables you love, such as bell peppers or corn. This allows for delicious variations based on what you have on hand. For the exact measurements, check out the bottom of the article where you’ll find a handy print section!
How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Ready to dive into creating your own delicious Olive Garden Minestrone Soup? Let’s get started! This recipe flows through a series of simple steps, ensuring you enjoy every moment of the cooking process. Grab your apron, and let’s make culinary magic happen!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first! Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion, sliced celery, quartered carrots, and zucchini. Sauté these colorful veggies for 3-5 minutes until they become tender. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Season
Now, let’s amp up the flavor! Add minced garlic to the pot, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning step is crucial—it really elevates the taste and gives your soup a flavor boost!
Step 3: Combine Broth and Tomatoes
Next up, pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Stir in the Italian seasoning as well. Bring this delightful concoction to a gentle simmer. Listen for that bubbling sound of goodness—it means we’re on the right track!
Step 4: Mix in the Beans and Pasta
Time to add some heartiness! Stir in the drained white beans, kidney beans, frozen green beans, and the small shell pasta. Let everything simmer together for about 10-15 minutes, giving the pasta and veggies time to become tender. This is where the soup transforms into a beautiful medley of flavors and textures!
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Herbs
Finally, stir in the baby spinach leaves and let them wilt down for 2-3 minutes. This adds a healthy touch and vibrant color to your soup! Before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is now ready to warm hearts and appetites!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Don’t rush the sautéing process; it enhances the base of the soup beautifully.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand—just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: A sturdy pot works best; a Dutch oven is a fantastic alternative.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring; you can also use a silicone spatula if preferred.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping your fresh veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you gather the right amounts for perfect flavor.
Variations of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
- Add Meat: For a heartier version, include cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken.
- Go Gluten-Free: Substitute small shell pasta with gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta entirely.
- Extra Veggies: Enhance nutrition by adding bell peppers, corn, or spinach—whatever is in your fridge!
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment by swapping Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a twist.
Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Salad Pairing: A light Caesar or garden salad complements the soup perfectly.
- Wine Choice: Enjoy with a glass of Pinot Grigio or a light red blend.
- Presentation: Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-style touch.
FAQs about Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time enhances the flavors. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes for a quick meal during busy weeks!
What can I serve with Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?
Pairing this delicious soup with warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad is a wonderful choice. It gives a complete meal experience, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Olive Garden Minestrone Soup for up to two months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving!
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
I love adding bell peppers, corn, or extra spinach to the mix. Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand for a personal touch and added nutrition!
Is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is vegan-friendly as it’s packed with vegetables and beans without any animal products. Enjoy every spoonful guilt-free!
Final Thoughts on Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Making Olive Garden Minestrone Soup at home is such a rewarding experience! Each bite is loaded with warmth and flavor that comforts you and your loved ones. The joy of sharing this vibrant dish around the dinner table is unbeatable. It’s not just about eating; it’s about creating a cozy moment filled with laughter and connection. Plus, with its fresh ingredients and heartiness, it’s a meal you can feel good about. So, put on your favorite apron, whip up a batch, and feel the love flow in every delightful slurp!
Print
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty Olive Garden Minestrone Soup that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup onion diced
- 1/2 cup celery sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots peeled, quartered and sliced
- 1 zucchini quartered and sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 15 ounce can small white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15 ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup frozen cut green beans
- 1/2 cup small shell pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots and zucchini to the pot.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender, 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste and Italian seasoning to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the white beans, kidney beans, green beans and pasta to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes or until wilted.
- Sprinkle the parsley over the soup and serve.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
