Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is here to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings for that classic, hearty Italian-inspired bowl of goodness.

With tender veggies, creamy beans, comforting pasta, and an herby tomato broth, it’s everything you love about the Olive Garden version—minus the trip to the restaurant.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of being wholesome, filling, and oh-so-flavorful. Perfect as a starter, a cozy weeknight dinner, or even meal prep for the week, this soup will bring a little slice of Tuscany right to your kitchen!

Ingredients

Let’s get all your ingredients ready for this one-pot wonder:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup small pasta (like rotini or ditalini)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Get ready to make your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria!

1. Sauté the base veggies:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add the zucchini and herbs:
   Stir in the zucchini, dried oregano, and basil. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to let the zucchini soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
3. Build the soup:
   Pour in the vegetable broth, water, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and kidney beans. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook the pasta:
   Add the pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Add the spinach:
   Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the soup, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side!

Tweaks and Additions

This soup is versatile and easy to make your own—here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Swap the pasta:
  Try orzo, mini farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Boost the veggies:
  Add diced potatoes, green beans, or even some roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Make it protein-packed:
  Stir in some cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
• Herb it up:
  Add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
• Gluten-free option:
  Skip the pasta altogether and use quinoa or rice instead.

This Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup will bring all the cozy vibes you need, whether it’s a cold winter day or you’re just craving a big bowl of comfort.

With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Grab your ladle and get cooking—this soup is waiting to steal your heart (and your spoon)! Let me know how it turns out!