Tasty Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe – Delicious & Easy!

Ever found yourself daydreaming about that warm, comforting bowl of Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup? That delightful medley of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a rich, savoury tomato broth? It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug, perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Well, dream no more! We’re thrilled to share our meticulously crafted Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe, so you can recreate this beloved Italian classic right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends, or simply treat yourself to a taste of Italy, any day of the week!

Why We Love This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this soup. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. We love how you can swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies! Secondly, this **homemade minestrone soup** is bursting with flavour.

The combination of herbs, rich tomato broth, and an array of textures from the pasta, beans, and vegetables makes every spoonful a delight. It’s a truly **healthy vegetable soup** that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, making a **copycat Olive Garden minestrone** at home means you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s fresh and exactly to your liking. We think it’s simply the **best minestrone soup** you can make without leaving your house!

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

To get started on your journey to the perfect bowl of minestrone, we need to gather our fresh and flavourful ingredients. We’ve broken them down into categories to make your shopping trip a breeze.

The Essential Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium courgette (zucchini), diced
• 150g (about 1 cup) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 50g (about 2 cups packed) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Beans & Pasta for Heartiness

• 1 tin (400g) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tin (400g) cannellini beans (or other white beans like Great Northern), rinsed and drained
• 100g (about ½ cup) small pasta, such as ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni

Broth & Flavourings for Depth

• 1.5 litres (about 6 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 tin (400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (tomato purée)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth
• Optional Garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use a vegan alternative if preferred) and fresh parsley, chopped.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Own Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Now that we have all our ingredients, it’s time for the fun part – cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious **Italian soup recipe**.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. We call this mixture a ‘soffritto’, and it’s the flavour base for many Italian dishes.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Then, add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to deepen its flavour.
3. Introduce More Veggies and Broth: Add the diced courgette and green beans to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and the tin of diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavours will meld together.
5. Add Beans and Pasta: Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and cannellini beans. Add the small pasta directly to the soup. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 8-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but still slightly firm to the bite). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Wilt the Greens: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Cook for just a couple of minutes until the greens have wilted into the soup.
7. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Ladle your **homemade minestrone soup** into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately!

Watch This Video Tutorial

For a helpful visual demonstration on making a delicious minestrone soup, we recommend the following video. While not our exact recipe, it offers great general techniques for minestrone:

• Clear and beginner-friendly instructions
• Relevant to the article content and keyword
• Comes from a reputable creator or channel

Tips and Tricks for the Best Homemade Minestrone

Want to take your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe to the next level? We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve!

Customise Your Veggies

Minestrone is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on seasonality or your personal preference. Some great additions include:

• Peas (fresh or frozen, add towards the end)
• Potatoes (diced, add with carrots and celery)
• Leeks (use instead of or with onion)
• Bell peppers (capsicums), any colour, diced
• Butternut squash or pumpkin, diced (great for an autumnal twist)

Pasta Perfection

Small pasta shapes work best as they fit nicely on a spoon. Ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni are classic choices. To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft if you plan on having leftovers, you can cook it separately and add it to individual bowls when serving. If you do cook it in the soup, remember it will absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a bit more broth when reheating.

Flavour Boosters

For an extra depth of flavour, consider these additions:

• Parmesan Rind: If you have a rind of Parmesan cheese, toss it into the soup while it simmers (remember to remove it before serving). It adds a wonderful umami richness.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, finishing the soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens the flavours considerably. A swirl of pesto can also be delicious!
• A Splash of Wine: A small splash of dry white or red wine after sautéing the vegetables (before adding the broth) can add another layer of complexity. Let it cook off for a minute or two.

Making it Vegan/Vegetarian

Our base **Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe** is already vegetarian if you use vegetable broth! To make it fully vegan, simply omit the optional Parmesan cheese garnish or use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. This **vegetarian minestrone** is naturally hearty and satisfying.

Storing and Reheating Your Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavours continue to meld!

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze minestrone soup for up to 3 months. If possible, freeze it without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Cook fresh pasta to add when you’re ready to serve the defrosted soup. If freezing with pasta, be prepared for a softer texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water, as the pasta and beans can absorb liquid. Avoid boiling vigorously, especially if the pasta is already in the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about our Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this **Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe** gluten-free, simply use your favourite gluten-free small pasta. Ensure your vegetable broth and any other tinned ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

How long does this minestrone soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade minestrone soup will last for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use different beans?

Yes, you can. While kidney and cannellini beans are traditional, feel free to use other varieties like borlotti beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas (garbanzo beans) if you prefer.

Is this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe spicy?

Our base recipe is not spicy, making it family-friendly. However, you can easily add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs if you enjoy a bit of heat.

Can I add meat to this soup?

While traditional minestrone is vegetarian, you can certainly add meat if you wish. Cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, pancetta, or shredded chicken would be delicious additions. Sauté the meat before adding the onions, or add pre-cooked meat along with the broth.

What makes this an “Olive Garden” style minestrone?

Our recipe aims to capture the specific combination of vegetables (like green beans and courgette), the types of beans (kidney and cannellini), the small shell pasta, and the flavour profile of the tomato-based broth that is characteristic of the popular soup served at Olive Garden restaurants. It’s a hearty, vegetable-forward soup that is both comforting and satisfying, much like their famous offering.

Conclusion: Your Italian Escape Awaits!

There you have it – our comprehensive guide to making an absolutely delicious, soul-soothing bowl of **Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe** right in your own kitchen. We’ve walked you through every step, from gathering the freshest ingredients to simmering up a pot of pure comfort. We believe this **easy minestrone recipe** will quickly become a favourite in your household, perfect for cosy nights in, healthy lunches, or even impressing guests with your culinary skills.

Making this soup is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating warmth, nourishment, and a little taste of Italian sunshine. The vibrant colours of the vegetables, the rich aroma filling your kitchen, and the satisfying first spoonful – it’s an experience we know you’ll enjoy. For more information on the benefits of a diet rich in vegetables, you can visit the NHS Eatwell Guide on 5 A Day.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this **Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe** a try! We’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your experiences, any variations you tried, or your favourite way to enjoy it in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more soup recipes, be sure to check out [Link to Our Best Soup Recipes]!

Happy cooking, everyone!

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