Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe: A Deliciously Homemade Version

Olive Garden's Minestrone soup is a comforting classic, but recreating that restaurant-quality taste at home is easier than you think! This recipe aims to capture the essence of their beloved soup, focusing on fresh ingredients and a flavorful broth. Forget about complicated techniques; this recipe emphasizes simplicity and delicious results. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to make your own amazing Minestrone!

Ingredients for an Authentic Olive Garden-Inspired Minestrone

This recipe yields about 6 servings of hearty and flavorful Minestrone. Adjust quantities as needed depending on your serving size.

• For the Vegetable Base:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For the Pasta and Beans:

  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped green beans
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Minestrone Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps to create a Minestrone soup that rivals Olive Garden's:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Add the Pasta and Vegetables: Stir in the pasta, cannellini beans, green beans, and zucchini. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

4. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Bowl

• Bean Variety: Feel free to experiment with different beans! Kidney beans, great northern beans, or even a mix would work well.
• Pasta Choice: The type of pasta you use significantly influences the texture of your Minestrone. Experiment with different shapes and sizes to find your perfect match!
• Seasonal Vegetables: Don't be afraid to add other seasonal vegetables! Summer squash, spinach, or even diced potatoes would be delicious additions.
• Meat Option: For a heartier soup, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef during the sautéing stage.
• Make it Ahead: Minestrone tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

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