Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

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I’ve always had a soft spot for hearty, vegetable-packed soups, and Olive Garden’s Minestrone is one of my all-time favorites. It’s comforting, loaded with flavor, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly day or want a healthy, plant-based option for lunch or dinner, this soup checks all the boxes.

What I love most about this version is how adaptable it is. It’s packed with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta in a richly seasoned tomato broth. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and incredibly filling without feeling heavy. Once you make this at home, you might just retire your restaurant visits altogether.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This soup is more than just a starter — it’s a meal in itself. Packed with fiber-rich beans, tender vegetables, and a zesty broth, it’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s also incredibly flexible, letting you use up whatever vegetables are in your fridge. It’s a go-to for meal prep, freezes well, and pleases both plant-based and omnivore palates alike.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Traditionally, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work best in minestrone. They cook quickly and mix seamlessly with the chopped veggies and beans. If you’re gluten-free, go for a GF pasta variety and just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid mushiness. You can also omit pasta entirely if you prefer a lighter bowl.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easily customizable:

• Swap out any of the beans with what you have on hand — pinto, black beans, or chickpeas work well.
• Use spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in place of the green beans or zucchini.
• If you don’t have vegetable broth, a bouillon cube with water works just fine.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for brightness.

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Ingredients for This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Yellow onion – Provides a savory base and depth of flavor.
• Garlic – Enhances the aroma and gives a bold, zesty punch.
• Carrots – Adds sweetness and texture.
• Celery – Gives a classic soup flavor and crunch.
• Zucchini – Softens during cooking and soaks up flavor.
• Green beans – Brings in freshness and color.
• Canned diced tomatoes – The tangy tomato base that defines the broth.
• Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
• Vegetable broth – The liquid base that ties all the flavors together.
• Kidney beans – Adds protein and hearty texture.
• Cannellini beans – Creamy and smooth for a satisfying bite.
• Small pasta (ditalini or small shells) – Offers a chewy, comforting element.
• Baby spinach – Wilts quickly and adds a nutritious green boost.
• Italian seasoning – The all-in-one spice mix that gives it an herby, savory backbone.
• Salt and black pepper – For seasoning and balance.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – Brightens the final presentation.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables.

Step 3: Layer in Vegetables and Tomatoes

Add diced zucchini, green beans, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth. Stir everything together well.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are fork-tender.

Step 6: Add Beans and Pasta

Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Simmer for another 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Step 7: Wilt the Spinach

Add in fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 8: Final Taste and Adjust

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

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How Long to Prepare the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Preparation Time: Chopping the vegetables, draining the beans, and measuring the ingredients takes about 15–20 minutes. To speed things up, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen versions where available.

Cooking Time: Once everything is prepped, the soup simmers for around 30 minutes total. It needs 15–20 minutes for the vegetables to become tender and another 10–12 minutes after adding the beans and pasta. In under an hour, you’ll have a hearty pot of delicious soup ready to serve.

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Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to store leftovers—it will continue softening in the broth.
• Add spinach last to retain its color and nutrients.
• Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to deepen.
• Taste and adjust seasoning after each stage for a perfectly balanced flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: It can become mushy, especially if the soup sits too long.
• Not using enough seasoning: With so many vegetables, under-seasoning can make the soup taste bland.
• Adding all ingredients at once: Some ingredients, like spinach and pasta, need to be added toward the end.
• Boiling too vigorously: A gentle simmer is enough; boiling can break down the vegetables too much.
• Skipping the taste test: Always adjust salt, pepper, or herbs before serving.

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What to Serve With Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

1. Crusty Garlic Bread

Nothing beats warm, garlicky bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

2. Caesar Salad

The crisp, tangy flavors of Caesar salad pair well with the hearty soup.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A melty sandwich adds comfort and makes it a full meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Keep the meal light but satisfying with a side of oven-roasted seasonal veggies.

5. Bruschetta

A fresh tomato and basil-topped bruschetta adds a nice, crunchy contrast.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve the next day!

Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. For best results, omit the pasta before freezing and add fresh when reheating. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Sugar: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just add everything except the pasta and spinach. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, add pasta in the last 30 minutes, and spinach just before serving.

Is this soup vegan?

Absolutely. All ingredients in this recipe are plant-based, including the broth.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, if you’d like extra protein, you can add cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken.

How do I thicken the soup?

You can simmer it a bit longer uncovered or mash a few of the beans in the pot to create a thicker consistency.

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Conclusion

This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is everything a good soup should be — flavorful, filling, and full of vibrant ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends for dinner, this soup delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.

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