Name: Olive Garden Minestrone Soup You’ll Love This Winter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 cups low-sodium vegetable stock; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 stalks diced celery; 2 medium diced carrots; 1 medium diced yellow onion; 4 cloves minced garlic; 1 medium zucchini; 1 cup frozen green beans; 2 cups chopped fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup small or medium shell pasta; 1 can dark red kidney beans; 1 can white navy beans or cannellini beans; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup shredded parmesan or romano cheese

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and rich spices that warms the heart and soul. This classic Italian dish combines nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a healthy and hearty meal. The vibrant flavors and comforting texture of this soup are sure to bring smiles to the dinner table, making it an ideal option for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This soup is not just any vegetable soup; it’s a flavorful experience you won’t want to miss. Here are some reasons to love it:

It’s a healthy vegetable soup packed with nutrients.
Perfect for vegetarians, this is a vegetarian minestrone soup.
Quick to prepare in under 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
Rich in fiber and protein, it’s filling and satisfying.
Versatile with countless variations for every taste preference.
Great as a starter or main dish, especially paired with Olive Garden soups and salads.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Gather these items:

8 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
1 can diced tomatoes
2 stalks diced celery
2 medium diced carrots
1 medium diced yellow onion
4 cloves minced garlic
1 medium zucchini
1 cup frozen green beans
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup small or medium shell pasta
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can white navy beans or cannellini beans
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup shredded parmesan or romano cheese

How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large pot, pour in the low-sodium vegetable stock and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Toss in the diced celery, diced carrots, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, crushed rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the sliced zucchini, thawed green beans, shell pasta, chopped spinach, kidney beans, and navy beans. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra touch of comfort.

Pro Tips for the Best Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
Feel free to add more beans for extra protein.
Let the soup simmer longer for deeper flavors, if time allows.

Best Ways to Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Enhance your dining experience with these serving ideas:

Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
Pair it with a fresh salad from the Olive Garden soup menu.
Add a dollop of pesto for a gourmet touch.

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup You’ll Love This Winter - Olive Garden Minestrone Soup - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This soup is perfect for meal prep. To store, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

The secret lies in the quality of your vegetables and herbs. Fresh ingredients ensure maximum flavor, making this soup a beloved Italian minestrone soup.

Can I make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s an excellent choice for easy minestrone soup for beginners.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

To avoid common pitfalls, don’t overcook the vegetables; they should retain some crunch. Also, make sure not to add the pasta too early, or it may become mushy.

Variations of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Substitute different beans for variety, like black beans or lentils.
Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Include seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist.