Description
Looking for a warm, nourishing meal that’s loaded with flavor and easy to prepare? This Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is your perfect go-to! With tender pasta, hearty beans, and a vibrant mix of veggies in a savory tomato broth, this quick dinner option hits all the right notes. Ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or healthy lunch ideas, this easy recipe is comforting, plant-based, and packed with nutrients. A perfect pick for anyone hunting for dinner ideas, food ideas, or simply a cozy, homemade meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup small shell pasta
2 cups fresh spinach
Optional: red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until onions are translucent.
2. Stir in zucchini and green beans. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes.
4. Add pasta and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in spinach and let wilt for 2 minutes. Adjust seasonings if needed.
6. Serve hot with bread or salad, and enjoy!
Notes
If storing leftovers, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from turning mushy.
Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level.
For a thicker soup, mash a few beans into the broth while simmering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: copycat Olive Garden minestrone soup, quick dinner, easy recipe, healthy soup, vegan minestrone