Description
A hearty and flavorful soup loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any season. Perfect for a quick dinner, healthy lunch, or meal prep, it’s vegan, easy to make, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Ideal for those seeking dinner ideas, easy recipes, and wholesome food ideas that don’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
2 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir to coat vegetables.
3. Add zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
4. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
6. Add kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Simmer for another 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
7. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more broth if needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
If planning to freeze, omit the pasta and add fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Use pre-chopped or frozen vegetables to save time without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg