Cozy Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives like a warm embrace with this classic Olive Garden minestrone soup recipe that captures the essence of hearty Italian cooking.

Rich vegetables and robust flavors dance together in a delightful symphony of taste.

Beans, pasta, and fresh ingredients create a nourishing bowl that speaks directly to your soul.

Each spoonful transports you to a cozy trattoria nestled in the Italian countryside.

The recipe delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and satisfaction that feels like a culinary hug.

Packed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup promises to become a treasured staple in your kitchen.

Savor every delicious moment and let this minestrone warm you from the inside out.

All About Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

• This minestrone soup comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with an incredible variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, this soup delivers a nutritious punch that will make your body thank you for the wholesome goodness.
• Hearty and warming, this Olive Garden-inspired soup brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your dining table, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like a big, delicious hug.
• The recipe welcomes personal touches, allowing you to swap ingredients or add extra veggies based on what's in your pantry, making it super flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Shopping Guide

• Onion: A foundational aromatic that provides a sweet and savory depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent taste that enhances the overall complexity of the minestrone.
• Carrot: Introduces a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery: Contributes a light, fresh flavor and crisp texture to the dish.
• Potato: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup's consistency.

• Oregano: A classic Italian herb that brings an earthy and slightly peppery note to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the ingredients.

• Vegetable Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, providing depth and richness.
• Tomatoes: Add acidity, sweetness, and a classic Italian flavor to the minestrone.
• Chickpeas: Offer a protein-rich element and creamy texture to the soup.

• Pasta: Provides additional substance and a classic minestrone component.
• Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a bright, green finish to the soup.

Equipment Picks for Minestrone Soup

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup from start to finish.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Measuring tablespoon: For accurate water and seasoning measurements.
• Measuring cups: To measure broth and other liquid ingredients.
• Colander: Optional for draining chickpeas if using canned.
• Ladle: Helpful for serving the soup.
• Herb scissors or regular knife: For chopping fresh parsley garnish.

How to Make Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Wake Up the Aromatics

Drop minced garlic and diced onions into a spacious pot.

Splash in a touch of water and dance the ingredients around the pan until they become tender and fragrant, releasing their delightful essence for about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Welcome Hearty Vegetables

Introduce chopped carrots, crisp celery, chunky potatoes, and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.

Stir and sauté these colorful friends until the potatoes and carrots soften and develop a golden touch, approximately 6 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Layers

Pour in vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, and your favorite pasta.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let everything simmer gently without a lid.

Allow the soup to bubble and meld flavors for 12-15 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Crown your creation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley as the final flourish.

Tips to Perfect Your Minestrone Soup

• Swap or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans to boost nutrition and add more color to the soup.
• Replace chickpeas with white beans, kidney beans, or diced tofu for different protein options and flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free pasta or small pasta shapes like ditalini to make the soup suitable for different dietary needs.
• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or add a parmesan rind while simmering to enhance the soup's depth of flavor.
• Store soup without pasta, then add fresh pasta when reheating to prevent soggy noodles and maintain optimal texture.

Minestrone Soup Flavor Ideas to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chickpeas with white kidney beans for added protein and creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with quinoa or gluten-free pasta to make the soup celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes and extra oregano for a more robust, zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and reduce added salt, incorporating fresh herbs for enhanced taste without extra sodium.

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Serving Moments

• Rustic Italian Table Setting: Serve the minestrone in large, rustic ceramic bowls with wide rims to capture the hearty soup's rich colors and textures.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the soup with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Cheese Topping Delight: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese on top just before serving to add a salty, nutty flavor that complements the vegetables.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to enhance the soup's robust Mediterranean flavors.

Keeping Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Fresh

• Store soup in airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth and contains no meat ingredients.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the pasta makes it not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with quinoa.

• How nutritious is this minestrone soup?

The soup is packed with nutrients from vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas. It’s a balanced, healthy meal option.

• Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the soup ahead and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add fresh pasta when reheating to prevent overcooking.

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden minestrone soup combines hearty vegetables and beans in a rich, savory broth. Comforting Italian-inspired flavors invite home cooks to savor a classic restaurant-style soup with simple ingredients and delightful results.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 yellow potatoes, diced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Pantry Items:

• 5 cups (1.2 liters) vegetable broth
• 28 ounces (794 grams) canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) whole wheat pasta shells

Herbs & Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and gently sweat garlic and onion with a splash of water until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce diced carrot, celery, and potato to the pot, seasoning with oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften and develop slight caramelization, around 5-6 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and chickpeas, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Add uncooked pasta and increase heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Allow the soup to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture and vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
7. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Customize the soup by swapping out chickpeas for white beans or kidney beans for added protein variety and different texture profiles.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium vegetable broth and monitoring salt quantities during cooking stages.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor depth by roasting vegetables briefly before adding them to the pot, which intensifies their natural sweetness and develops more complex taste dimensions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg