If you have been craving a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Italian restaurant, this Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender beans, and al dente pasta swimming in a rich broth seasoned to perfection, this soup delivers layers of flavor and satisfying heartiness all in one pot. Every spoonful offers a beautiful medley of textures and wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly, making it ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe is how simple and fresh the ingredients are. Each component plays a crucial role in building the fresh, vibrant, and nourishing flavors that define this iconic soup.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and is the perfect base for sautéing the veggies without overpowering their natural taste.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation when softened, creating depth early on.
- Garlic: Gives a subtle pungency and aromatic boost that awakens the whole dish.
- Carrots: Impart a gentle sweetness and vibrant color, making each bowl inviting and bright.
- Celery: Offers a fresh, crisp undertone and balances the sweetness of the carrots elegantly.
- Zucchini: Adds a tender texture and mild flavor, blending effortlessly with the other vegetables.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Introduce a slight tang and rich juiciness that rounds out the broth beautifully.
- Kidney beans: Bring creaminess and hearty protein, making this soup both filling and nutritious.
- Great northern or cannellini beans: Enhance the smoothness and add a delicate, buttery bite.
- Green beans: Provide subtle crunch and fresh earthiness to complement the softer elements.
- Vegetable broth: The soul of this soup, it ties all the flavors together in a light but savory liquid.
- Water: Helps thin the broth to just the right consistency, so it’s not too thick.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs like oregano and basil that bring that classic Italian flair everyone loves.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing every flavor perfectly.
- Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Adds bite-size pasta that cooks to a tender, chewy texture without overwhelming the soup.
- Baby spinach or chopped kale: Finishes the soup with beautiful greenery and adds a nutritious punch.
How to Make Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook them together for about five to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant. This step lays down a lovely aromatic base that will elevate every spoonful.
Step 2: Add the Rest of the Vegetables, Beans, and Liquid
Next, stir in the diced zucchini, canned tomatoes including their juice, kidney beans, great northern beans, trimmed green beans, vegetable broth, and water. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and bring the pot to a rolling boil. This mix creates that signature robust and wholesome flavor that defines the Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe.
Step 3: Simmer Until Vegetables Are Tender
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows all the vegetables to become perfectly tender and lets the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of tastes in every bite.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Wilt the Greens
Add your small pasta to the pot and continue simmering for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is just al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Finally, stir in the baby spinach or chopped kale and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens have wilted gently into the soup, adding a fresh pop of color and nutrients.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give the soup a taste and add more salt and pepper if you like. Serve it up hot, and if you want to be a little indulgent, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top or pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that savory broth.
How to Serve Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can take your minestrone to the next level. Chopped fresh basil or parsley brings an herbal brightness, while a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese—it melts ever so slightly in the hot soup, bringing a salty, nutty finish that is simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crunchy garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal. If you’re looking for a heartier option, a grilled cheese sandwich with melty mozzarella complements the flavors perfectly without overshadowing the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve the minestrone in rustic bread bowls or wide, shallow bowls that showcase the colorful ingredients. You can also layer it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dollop of pesto for added texture and complexity. Presentation is all about celebrating the vibrant, wholesome nature of the soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This minestrone soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Since the flavors deepen over time, leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to three months. To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, consider freezing the soup without the pasta and adding fresh cooked pasta when reheating. This ensures every bowl maintains the perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick after storing, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it. Add any precooked pasta or fresh wilted greens during reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make this Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this soup perfect for many dietary needs.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as is. If you want to add Parmesan cheese, choose a plant-based alternative or skip it to keep it fully vegan.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
You can, but canned beans are a time saver and provide consistent texture. If using fresh beans, make sure they’re cooked and tender before adding them to the soup.
What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can easily substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh herbs also work beautifully if you have them on hand.
How can I thicken the soup if I want it heartier?
To thicken the soup, crush a portion of the beans or cook the pasta a little longer to release starch. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a handful of cooked rice for more body.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh veggies, comforting beans, and herbs all simmered together in a heartwarming broth that feels like home in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals ahead, this soup is a delightful way to enjoy wholesome Italian-inspired flavors any day of the week. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a beloved classic!
Print
Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup: Hearty, Wholesome & Full of Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone Soup is a hearty, wholesome, and flavorful vegetable-packed soup. Combining a blend of fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and Italian seasonings, it’s a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion. The recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it a great option for weeknight dinners, with plant-based ingredients that suit vegan and vegetarian diets.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
Canned Goods
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups water
Seasonings and Others
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced zucchini, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, green beans, vegetable broth, and water. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Cook Pasta and Add Greens: Add the small pasta to the soup and continue simmering for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente texture. Then, stir in the baby spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the greens have wilted.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt or pepper. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- You can prepare the soup ahead of time by cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving to avoid soggy pasta.
- If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
