Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

This comforting Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe is a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup stands out with its vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or main course, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can have this delicious minestrone soup ready in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that everyone will love.
• Flavorful and Filling: The combination of Italian seasoning and tomato broth creates a rich flavor profile that satisfies.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the beans according to your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal planning.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather all necessary tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even heating and accommodating all the ingredients without spilling.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, which speeds up prep time.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavors in your minestrone soup.

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.

For the 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)

For the 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)

For Seasoning

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp dry basil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta

• 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

Start by preheating your large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
– Once heated, add the diced zucchini, carrots, celery, and onions.
– Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices.
– Stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and 1 tablespoon of dry basil.
– Mix well to evenly distribute all flavors throughout the pot.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Beans

Next, pour in the vegetable broth.
– Add both kidney beans and Great Northern beans to the pot.
– Incorporate your choice of pasta into the mixture. Stir everything together until combined.
– Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. If the soup thickens too much, you can add up to 2 more cups of water.

Step 4: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Stir in minced garlic into your simmering soup.
– Allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes so that the garlic infuses its flavor fully into the dish.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once everything is tender and combined well:
– Ladle your minestrone soup into bowls.
– Serve warm for a comforting meal that’s sure to please!

How to Serve Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding texture and flavor to every bite.

Add a Side Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty soup and adds freshness to your meal.

Top with Grated Cheese

• Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl before serving for an extra layer of rich flavor.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Crispy garlic bread complements the soup well and provides a satisfying crunch alongside the soft vegetables.

Include a Dollop of Pesto

• A spoonful of pesto can be stirred in just before serving, giving the soup an aromatic basil kick.

Offer Croutons on the Side

• Provide crunchy croutons for guests who enjoy an added crunch in their soup. They can be sprinkled on top just before eating.

How to Perfect Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Perfecting your minestrone soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Choose Fresh Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables for optimal flavor and nutrition. Fresh produce makes the soup vibrant and delicious.

• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup as it cooks. Add extra Italian seasoning or salt to suit your preference.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For a less soggy texture, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it to each bowl when serving.

• Let it Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer enriches the flavors. Just be careful not to overcook the vegetables.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight!

• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to maintain texture and prevent burning.

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

Pairing side dishes with minestrone soup makes for a more complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   This classic favorite is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

2. Caesar Salad
   A crisp Caesar salad offers crunch and complements the rich flavors of the soup.

3. Bruschetta
   Toasted baguette slices topped with fresh tomatoes and basil add brightness to your meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies provide a savory side that works well with minestrone’s heartiness.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a filling addition that resonates well with Italian flavors.

6. Rice Pilaf
   Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs pairs nicely, making it ideal for scooping up broth.

7. Caprese Skewers
   These easy-to-make skewers combine fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing appetizer.

8. Antipasto Platter
   A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers offers variety that complements your flavorful soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe even better.

• Bold vegetables: Skipping fresh vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Make sure to include a variety of colorful veggies for texture and flavor.
• Bold seasoning: Using too little seasoning may result in a flat taste. Don’t hesitate to adjust spices and herbs according to your preference for a more robust flavor.
• Bold cooking time: Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy. Add it closer to the end of cooking to maintain the right texture.
• Bold broth choice: Using low-quality broth can diminish the soup’s overall taste. Opt for a good vegetable broth for depth and richness in flavor.
• Bold skipping garlic: Neglecting garlic will remove an essential flavor component. Always include it near the end of cooking for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator without losing quality.

Freezing Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm (about 20 minutes).
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Minestrone Soup recipe.

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

Yes! Feel free to mix various beans like black beans or chickpeas based on your taste preferences.

How long does it take to prepare this Minestrone Soup?

The total time is around 45 minutes, with 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Small pasta shapes such as ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal as they blend well with other ingredients.

Can I add meat to my Minestrone Soup?

Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for added protein if desired.

Is this Minestrone Soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.

Final Thoughts

This comforting Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe is rich in flavors and textures. It’s versatile, allowing customization with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try today!