Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps to Delicious Homemade Comfort

There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a bowl of Olive Garden minestrone soup. I’ve always loved how rich and hearty it is, packed with fresh vegetables and savory broth that hits the spot any day.

Recreating this classic at home was easier than I thought, and the result is just as delicious as the original. Whether you’re craving a healthy meal or want to bring a taste of Olive Garden to your kitchen, this copycat recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Join me as I share my go-to method for making this beloved soup, complete with tips to get every flavor just right.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional

Equipment

To master my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup copycat recipe, you’ll need the following tools in your kitchen:

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows all the vegetables and broth to simmer evenly, ensuring rich flavors.
• Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans with precision.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of ingredients like broth, olive oil, and seasonings guarantee a balanced taste.
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle: Perfect for stirring the soup without scratching your pot and for serving.
• Colander: Useful for draining canned cannellini beans before adding them to the soup.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Handy for adding and removing ingredients like pasta and spinach.
• Stove: A reliable heat source to bring your soup to a gentle simmer.
• Timer: Keeps track of cooking times, especially for the pasta, to prevent overcooking.
• Blender (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, a blender can help achieve that perfect consistency.

Having these tools on hand will streamline the cooking process, allowing you to focus on creating a delicious and comforting minestrone soup just like Olive Garden’s.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Olive Garden Minestrone Soup ahead of time can save you valuable time and enhance the flavors even more. Follow these steps to ensure your soup remains delicious when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Preparing the Soup for Storage

1. Cool the Soup Completely

After cooking, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and preserves the soup’s texture during storage.

1. Portion the Soup

Divide the cooled soup into airtight containers. Using smaller portions allows for quicker reheating and minimizes waste.

1. Label and Date

Clearly label each container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness.

Storage Guidelines

Reheating Instructions

1. From the Refrigerator

• Stovetop: Pour the desired amount of soup into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle boil.
• Microwave: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

1. From the Freezer

• Thaw First: Move the frozen soup to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
• Stovetop: Once thawed, follow the stovetop reheating method above.
• Microwave: Use the microwave reheating method, ensuring the soup is evenly heated.

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid Overcooking Pasta: If storing the soup with pasta, slightly undercook the ditalini before adding to the soup. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy after reheating.
• Fresh Spinach Addition: To maintain vibrant color and texture, add fresh spinach when reheating the soup rather than storing it already mixed in.
• Maintain Flavor Balance: Flavors can intensify over time. Taste the reheated soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of vegetable broth if necessary.

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy a hearty and comforting bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup anytime with minimal effort.

Directions

Follow these steps to recreate Olive Garden’s comforting Minestrone Soup in your own kitchen.

Prep Ingredients

1. Chop the Vegetables

• Dice 1 large onion.
• Peel and chop 2 carrots into small pieces.
• Slice 2 celery stalks.
• Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
• Cut 1 zucchini into half-moons.
• Trim and chop 1 cup of green beans into bite-sized pieces.

1. Prepare the Beans and Tomatoes

• Drain and rinse 2 cans of cannellini beans.
• Open and measure 2 cans of diced tomatoes.

1. Measure the Broth and Pasta

• Measure 6 cups of vegetable broth.
• Set aside 1 cup of ditalini pasta.

1. Gather Seasonings and Greens

• Measure 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
• Wash and roughly chop 2 cups of fresh spinach.

Cook the Soup

1. Sauté the Base

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

1. Add Vegetables and Liquids

• Incorporate the zucchini and green beans into the pot. Cook for another 3 minutes.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

1. Season and Simmer

• Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

1. Incorporate Beans and Pasta

• Add the cannellini beans and ditalini pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

1. Finish with Spinach

• Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.

1. Serve

• Ladle the hot minestrone soup into bowls.
• Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When serving my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, I love creating a cozy and inviting meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to elevate your dining experience:

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the hearty vegetables and savory broth.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh aroma.
• Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks. They’re perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving enhances the soup’s depth and adds a silky texture.
• Croutons: Add some homemade croutons for an extra crunch. I like to toss cubes of bread with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning before baking until golden.
• Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish to each bowl.
• Wine Pairing: For an adult twist, serve the soup with a glass of your favorite white wine, such as a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc.

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can transform your homemade minestrone into a delightful and well-rounded meal that rivals any restaurant spread.

Tips and Tricks

To master my Olive Garden Minestrone Soup copycat recipe, I rely on these essential tips:

1. Sauté Vegetables Properly

• I cook onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This enhances the soup’s depth and sweetness.

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

• I choose fresh vegetables and good-quality olive oil. The quality of ingredients makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

1. Control the Simmer

• I let the soup simmer gently to meld the flavors without overcooking the vegetables. This ensures each ingredient retains its texture and taste.

1. Add Fresh Spinach Last

• I stir in fresh spinach just before serving. This keeps it vibrant and prevents it from becoming mushy.

1. Perfect the Pasta

• I cook the ditalini pasta separately to al dente and add it to the soup at the end. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy.

1. Season Gradually

• I add salt and Italian seasoning in stages, tasting as I go. This helps achieve a balanced and well-rounded flavor.

1. Reheat Gently

• When reheating leftovers, I do so on low heat and add a bit of broth if needed. This maintains the soup’s consistency and prevents overcooking the pasta.

1. Customize with Extra Veggies or Beans

• I like to experiment by adding seasonal vegetables or different types of beans. This keeps the soup fresh and adaptable to personal preferences.

1. Use Homemade Broth for Richness

• Whenever possible, I use homemade vegetable broth. It adds a richer and more complex flavor compared to store-bought options.

1. Garnish for Extra Flavor

• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the soup’s taste and presentation.

By following these tips, I ensure that each pot of minestrone soup is flavorful, hearty, and reminiscent of Olive Garden’s beloved version.

Conclusion

I’m so happy you joined me on this culinary journey to recreate Olive Garden’s minestrone soup. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a bowl of homemade comfort that tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant. Making this soup has become a go-to in my kitchen, perfect for any day you need a warm and hearty meal. I hope you’ll find as much joy in preparing and savoring it as I do. Give it a try and feel free to tweak it to your taste. Here’s to delicious home-cooked meals and the simple pleasures they bring. Enjoy!