Description
This Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe is a hearty and wholesome vegetable soup made with pasta, beans, and a rich tomato broth. A meatless, plant-based comfort food favorite packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep. Ideal for fans of classic Italian minestrone, this copycat version is easy, delicious, and satisfying.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ cup ditalini or small shell pasta
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes with their juice. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Add zucchini, green beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
7. Stir in kidney beans and cannellini beans.
8. Add dried pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
9. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with Parmesan and crusty bread if desired.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if you’re serving this to someone with dietary restrictions.
Add pasta just before serving or cook it separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
The soup base is freezer-friendly—just freeze before adding pasta or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1½ cups)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg