minestrone soup recipe olive garden

The Best minestrone soup recipe olive garden

Classic Minestrone Soup Inspired by Olive Garden

4.6 from 1892 votes

A hearty vegetable soup packed with beans, pasta, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal. This version captures the flavors of Olive Garden’s signature minestrone with a few home-cooked twists.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time60 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, diced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta

• 12 oz small pasta shapes (such as ditalini or penne)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped spinach

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. 2
   Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Reduce heat to low, add kidney beans, chickpeas, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4
   Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
5. 5
   Add shredded zucchini, carrots, and spinach to the soup. Stir in the cooked pasta and enough reserved pasta water to loosen the soup if needed. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

🔧Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Kitchen shears

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12.5💛Saturated Fat: 4.5❤️Cholesterol: 25🧂Sodium: 750🌾Total Carbs: 55🥦Dietary Fiber: 12🍬Sugars: 8🥩Protein: 18

📝Notes

• For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
• If using fresh tomatoes, blend them into a smooth sauce before adding to the pot.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Minestrone Soup Inspired by Olive Garden

1. What is the difference between Olive Garden’s classic minestrone and their vegetable minestrone?

Classic minestrone at Olive Garden includes beans, pasta, and a rich tomato broth, while their vegetable minestrone is lighter, featuring a mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell peppers instead of beans. Both are hearty but serve different flavor profiles—classic minestrone leans into hearty Italian comfort, while vegetable minestrone offers a fresher, more vegetable-forward taste.

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2. How long does Olive Garden’s minestrone take to prepare, and is it typically served hot?

Olive Garden’s minestrone is a slow-cooked dish, usually taking around 30 to 45 minutes to fully simmer. It’s always served steaming hot, so you can enjoy it straight from the pot or on a warm plate.

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3. Does Olive Garden’s minestrone contain gluten, and can it be made gluten-free?

Olive Garden’s classic minestrone contains gluten due to the pasta and broth ingredients. If you’re avoiding gluten, you’d need to make a homemade version using gluten-free pasta or confirm with the restaurant that their preparation area is safe for gluten-free diners (though this isn’t guaranteed).

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4. What’s typically in the soup’s garnish, and can I skip it?

Olive Garden’s minestrone is often garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil. While the garnish adds a nice finish, you can always skip it if you prefer a simpler presentation.

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5. Is Olive Garden’s minestrone suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet?

Olive Garden’s classic minestrone is vegetarian by default, as it relies on vegetables, beans, and pasta. However, check for any hidden meat or dairy-based broths in their preparation, as some restaurants may use stock with animal products. For a fully vegan version, confirm with the restaurant or make it at home with plant-based broth.