Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe
This recipe is loved for its rich and savory flavors while being healthy and filling. It’s loaded with vegetables, making it a great choice for a light yet satisfying meal. The combination of beans and pasta provides a protein boost, making it ideal for vegetarians
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes
- Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir well, then add the oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the Beans and Pasta
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the kidney beans, great northern beans, and pasta. Stir to combine, then let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Add the Zucchini and Spinach
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the diced zucchini and fresh spinach. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side of Olive Garden-style breadsticks!
Notes
When making this Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe, be sure to let the flavors develop by simmering the soup for a good amount of time. Use fresh vegetables for the best taste and don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. If storing leftovers, be aware that the pasta may absorb liquid over time, so adding extra broth when reheating is recommended.