Description
Cozy up with this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup—a hearty blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth. This quick dinner idea is perfect for meal prep, a healthy lunch, or a comforting vegetarian weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with plant-based protein and bold Italian flavor, making it a go-to recipe for wholesome food ideas and easy recipes all year round.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ribs celery, sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add green beans, zucchini, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in vegetable broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Stir in spinach or kale a few minutes before the pasta is done.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and crusty bread, if desired.
Notes
For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
If freezing, cook the pasta separately and add when reheating.
Adjust veggies based on what’s in season or in your fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy dinner, vegetarian soup, minestrone, Olive Garden copycat, healthy soup