Olive Garden Minestrone

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There’s something undeniably magical about a steaming bowl of minestrone soup. Picture this: a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, savory herbs, and tender pasta swimming in a fragrant broth that warms your soul. a delicious Creamy Pasta Primavera The Olive Garden Minestrone Recipe is not just soup; it’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for any chilly evening or when you need a touch of comfort food in your life.

This delightful dish brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed and bowls were refilled faster than you could say “mamma mia!” Whether it’s a rainy day or just another Tuesday, this minestrone will make your kitchen smell incredible and your heart feel full.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Olive Garden Minestrone Recipe is easy to prepare, allowing even novice cooks to impress.
  • The rich flavor profile combines fresh veggies and spices for a delightful taste experience.
  • Visually appealing, the vibrant colors make it an Instagram-worthy dish for any table.
  • Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread for extra satisfaction.

I remember the first time I made this minestrone; my friends were blown away by how easy it was yet so packed with flavor! easy One Pot Mexican Taco Rice Skillet.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Zucchini: Choose firm zucchinis that are free from blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
  • Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; opt for organic if possible for richer taste.
  • Celery: Pick bright green celery stalks that snap easily for optimal crunch.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate your soup’s aroma significantly.
  • Canned Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes; they maintain better flavor during cooking.
  • Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while maximizing flavor.
  • Pasta (Ditalini): These tiny pasta shapes capture the soup’s essence perfectly; feel free to swap with any short pasta. For more inspiration, check out this Baked Apples with Feta recipe.
  • Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
  • Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens add nutrients and color; choose according to preference.
  • Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top provides an irresistible finishing touch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. roasted Hearty Sheet Pan Veggies This step sets the stage for a vibrant soup.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent, releasing their sweet scent.

Add Vegetables and Garlic: Toss in diced zucchini, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the veggies soften slightly while filling your kitchen with delicious aromas. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.

Mix in Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in canned tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally—this allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully.

Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in ditalini pasta along with Italian seasoning. Cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente; add more broth if needed.

Finish with Greens and Taste Test!: Lastly, stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted. fresh Blueberry Spinach Salad Taste your creation—adjust seasonings as desired—and prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors!

Now you’ve created an Olive Garden-inspired minestrone that’s sure to impress everyone at your dinner table!

You Must Know

  • This Olive Garden Minestrone Recipe is a delightful mix of flavors.
  • It’s not just a soup; it’s an experience!
  • The vibrant colors and aromas are perfect for cozy nights, and it makes meal prep feel like a gourmet adventure.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then add veggies. Cook everything together to blend the flavors beautifully.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your fridge’s contents. Adding spinach or kale can boost nutrition and flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers; they last about four days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always chop veggies uniformly for even cooking.
  • Use vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
  • Keep stirring often to prevent sticking while simmering this yummy dish!

My friend once told me this soup won over her picky kids, who usually avoid anything green like it’s a monster hiding under their beds.

FAQs

FAQ

What ingredients are essential for the Olive Garden Minestrone Recipe?

Essential ingredients include beans, zucchini, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes for authentic flavor.

Can I make this minestrone recipe vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

How long does the Olive Garden Minestrone last in the fridge?

The minestrone can last up to four days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Print
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Olive Garden Minestrone Soup


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of Olive Garden’s Minestrone Soup, a vibrant blend of fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. This wholesome dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings a delightful medley of flavors that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners, this minestrone soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop zucchini, carrots, celery, and mince garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
  3. Stir in zucchini, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until slightly softened.
  4. Pour in canned tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in ditalini pasta and Italian seasoning. Cook until pasta is al dente.
  6. Add fresh spinach or kale; stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. For an added protein boost, consider incorporating cooked beans or lentils. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.

Tags:

comfort food / easy recipes / healthy recipe / homemade soup / minestrone soup / Olive Garden / vegetable soup

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