Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe With Classic Italian Taste

Name: Olive Garden Minestrone
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes; – 2 small zucchinis, diced into small cubes; – 1/2 large onion, diced into small cubes; – 6 celery ribs, diced into small cubes; – 2 cloves of garlic, minced; – 28 oz (about 794 g) canned diced tomatoes with juice; – 32 oz (about 946 ml) vegetable broth; – 15 oz (about 425 g) kidney beans, drained; – 15 oz (about 425 g) Great Northern beans, drained; – 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; – 1 tablespoon dried basil; – 1/2 cup pasta; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – up to 2 cups (about 480 ml) of water to adjust the soup’s thickness

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Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Minestrone

This Olive Garden Minestrone is an easy dish that brings comfort to any kitchen table. You’ll love how simple and quick it’s to prepare, making it ideal for busy families looking for a hearty meal. This soup is full of fresh veggies and beans that offer great nutrition, like boosting your energy with vitamins and fiber.

Beyond that, it’s super flexible for different diets such as vegan or gluten-free, all while keeping that classic Italian taste. Imagine warming up with a bowl that feels just like dining out but in your own home. Whether you’re a student rushing through the day or a senior enjoying a quiet evening, this recipe will inspire joy and togetherness.

To dive deeper, this hearty Italian minestrone soup features a thick tomato-based broth loaded with vegetables and beans. The total preparation time is about 50 minutes, with 20 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. This means you get a delicious soup without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for home cooks, busy parents, and diet-conscious folks.

For instance, each serving packs in 152 calories, 2 g fat, and plenty of nutrients like 2436 IU vitamin A and 16 mg vitamin C. If you’re into exploring more pasta ideas, check out our creamy chicken pasta recipe for another family favorite.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Minestrone
2. Essential Ingredients for Olive Garden Minestrone
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Olive Garden Minestrone
5. Mastering Olive Garden Minestrone: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Olive Garden Minestrone: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Minestrone
8. Olive Garden Minestrone

Essential Ingredients for Olive Garden Minestrone

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making an authentic Olive Garden Minestrone. This section lists everything you need for a flavorful, nutritious soup. I’ll break it down into a clear list so you can easily follow along.

2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes
2 small zucchinis, diced into small cubes
1/2 large onion, diced into small cubes
6 celery ribs, diced into small cubes
2 cloves of garlic, minced
28 oz (about 794 g) canned diced tomatoes with juice
32 oz (about 946 ml) vegetable broth
15 oz (about 425 g) kidney beans, drained
15 oz (about 425 g) Great Northern beans, drained
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 cup pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optionally, up to 2 cups (about 480 ml) of water to adjust the soup’s thickness

These ingredients come together to create a rich, satisfying soup. Fresh veggies like carrots and zucchini add crunch and color, while beans provide protein. For more ideas on healthy meals, you might enjoy our stuffed chicken recipe that uses similar fresh elements.

How to Prepare the Perfect Olive Garden Minestrone: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s walk through making this Olive Garden Minestrone step by step. It’s straightforward and fun, even if you’re new to cooking. Start by getting all your ingredients ready to make things smooth and easy.

Gather and Prepare Ingredients

First, wash and dice your vegetables. This helps everything cook evenly and brings out the best flavors in this hearty Italian minestrone. Don’t forget to drain the beans so they add the right texture without extra liquid.

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the zucchini, carrots, celery, and onions, then sauté for about 10 minutes until they soften. This step builds a solid base for the soup’s taste.

Add Tomatoes and Herbs

Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon dried basil. Let this mix for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth, pasta, kidney beans, and Great Northern beans. Bring it to a simmer for 10 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the pasta reaches the perfect tenderness.

Serve and Garnish

Once done, serve the soup warm. Top it with grated parmesan, chopped basil, or black pepper for extra flavor. Pair it with bread for a complete meal. Nutritionally, each 1.5-cup serving offers 152 calories and plenty of vitamins, making it a great choice for diet-conscious individuals.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Olive Garden Minestrone

Making adjustments for your needs is simple with this Olive Garden Minestrone. Try swapping ingredients to fit different preferences, like going gluten-free or vegan. It’s all about making the recipe work for you and your family.

Protein and Bean Alternatives

Replace kidney beans with chickpeas for a twist, or add shredded chicken for extra protein. These changes keep the soup hearty while offering variety for busy parents and food enthusiasts.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and skip any cheese. Substitute pasta with wild rice to make it gluten-free, as suggested in the tips for customization. Adding red pepper flakes can spice things up if you like it hot.

Substitution Type	Option	Benefit
Pasta	White rice	Gluten-free and adds a nice chew
Vegetables	Spinach or kale	Increases nutrients and freshness
Broth	Vegetable broth only	Keeps it vegan and light

Vegetables like sweet potatoes or broccoli can also be added for more variety. This way, travelers or newlyweds can adapt the soup to what’s available.

Mastering Olive Garden Minestrone: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try these tips to elevate your Olive Garden Minestrone. Sautéing vegetables slowly deepens the flavor, and toasting pasta before adding it gives a better texture. These tricks make the soup even more enjoyable.

Flavor Variations

Incorporate roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes to enrich the taste. For spiciness, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños as per the customization tips. Remember, you can vary vegetables with options like butternut squash or cauliflower for a fresh twist.

Presentation and Storage

Serve in pretty bowls with herbs on top for a nice look. To avoid sogginess, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. The soup stores well in the fridge for up to one week, with flavors getting better over time.

Cook pasta separately for the best texture.
Add proteins like ground turkey for extra heartiness.
Freezing isn’t ideal due to fresh veggies, so enjoy fresh.

This section builds on the preparation, ensuring working professionals can make it ahead without losing quality.

How to Store Olive Garden Minestrone: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Olive Garden Minestrone tasting great for days. Put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, as the flavors improve with time. Avoid freezing because fresh vegetables might get mushy when thawed.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to mix everything evenly and add a bit of water if it thickens. This method helps maintain the soup’s hearty quality for meals throughout the week.

For meal prep, make a big batch and keep pasta aside to add later. Baking enthusiasts might link this to other recipes, like our squash dressing, for complementary sides.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Minestrone

What ingredients are typically used in Olive Garden Minestrone soup?

Olive Garden Minestrone soup features a tomato-based broth filled with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and kidney beans. It also contains pasta, green beans, and cabbage, giving it a hearty texture. The soup includes herbs such as oregano and basil to add flavor. This combination creates a nutritious and comforting dish that’s rich in both taste and texture.

How can I make Olive Garden Minestrone soup gluten-free?

To make Olive Garden Minestrone gluten-free, simply replace the traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta. Ensure that the broth and any seasoning used do not contain gluten additives. This swap maintains the soup’s satisfying feel while catering to gluten sensitivities.

Can I customize Olive Garden Minestrone with different vegetables?

Yes, Olive Garden Minestrone is versatile and can be customized with a variety of vegetables. You can add zucchini, kale, spinach, or sweet potatoes depending on availability and preference. The tomato-based broth pairs well with most vegetables, so feel free to adjust the recipe to include fresh, seasonal produce to suit your taste.

How should I store Olive Garden Minestrone soup for best freshness?

Store the Minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the pasta or vegetables have absorbed too much liquid. Avoid freezing, as some vegetables and pasta may change texture when thawed.

What makes Olive Garden Minestrone soup different from traditional minestrone recipes?

Olive Garden Minestrone tends to have a richer tomato base and includes their signature blend of herbs and pasta, giving it a distinctive taste. It’s known for a balanced mix of vegetables and beans with a slightly thicker consistency compared to other minestrone versions. This combination creates a comforting and flavorful soup that reflects Olive Garden’s signature style.

Minestrone Soup Recipe with Classic Italian Flair