Name: Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ cup ditalini pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

There’s something soul-soothing about a warm bowl of minestrone. This Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is a vibrant mix of hearty vegetables, tender pasta, and savory broth—all brought together in a way that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish with crusty bread, this soup is nourishing, cozy, and absolutely packed with flavor.

What makes this recipe truly shine is how customizable it is. You can swap in seasonal vegetables or add protein like ground turkey or sausage if you’re not aiming for a vegetarian bowl. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a staple because it’s easy, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the most flavorful and authentic Olive Garden-style minestrone at home, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference:

Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: Essential for evenly cooking the vegetables and simmering the soup without burning the bottom.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Prepping fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini is a breeze with a quality knife.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot while sautéing veggies.

Fine Mesh Strainer: Handy if you’re rinsing canned beans and draining excess liquids.
Ladle: For clean and even servings every time.

With just a few kitchen staples, you’ll be ladling out this savory soup like a pro.

Ingredients for the Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup

Each ingredient in this soup plays a flavorful role while keeping things fresh and hearty:

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding a layer of richness.
Yellow Onion: Provides the savory aromatic base for the soup.

Garlic Cloves: Essential for depth and a slightly sweet zing.
Carrots: Adds color, texture, and natural sweetness.
Celery: Gives a fresh, earthy crunch.

Zucchini: Offers tenderness and soaks up all the flavors.
Green Beans: Adds color and bite, balancing the texture.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Brings acidity and juicy tomato flavor.

Canned Red Kidney Beans & Canned Cannellini Beans: Protein-rich and satisfying.
Vegetable Broth: Forms the flavorful, hearty base.
Tomato Paste: Thickens and deepens the flavor.

Dried Italian Seasoning: Infuses each spoonful with classic herbal notes.
Bay Leaf: Enhances the broth with a subtle aromatic touch.
Salt & Black Pepper: Balances all the flavors.

Ditalini Pasta: The signature pasta shape, small and ideal for spoonfuls.
Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the end for a boost of nutrients and vibrant green color.

How To Make the Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped zucchini and green beans. Add in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, partially covered.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Pasta

Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and ditalini pasta. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach

Add in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving and Storing Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup

This soup is best served hot and garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added brightness. Pair it with warm breadsticks or a side salad for a complete Olive Garden-style meal at home.

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If freezing, skip the pasta initially and add it freshly cooked when reheating to avoid soggy textures. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different beans?

Absolutely! Great Northern beans, chickpeas, or black beans work well if you don’t have kidney or cannellini beans.

What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?

Any small pasta like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo can be used as a substitute.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and skip cheese garnishes, it remains entirely vegan.

How can I add protein?

Ground turkey, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken can be added if you want a meat-based option.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the aromatics first, then add everything to the slow cooker except pasta and spinach. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, stir in pasta and spinach 30 minutes before serving.

What should I serve this soup with?

It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this hearty Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup, here are some other delicious soup recipes from Life With Olivia you might enjoy:

Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup for a cozy, cheesy twist.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup when you want comfort in a bowl.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup if you’re craving a savory, meaty soup.
Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup with Chickpeas for a unique spiced option.
Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup that pairs perfectly with cold evenings.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different pasta? Add more heat? I love hearing the twists others put on these recipes.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome. Let’s keep sharing delicious kitchen wins together!

Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is a hearty, healthy classic loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead lunches. Vegetarian, freezer-friendly, and family-approved.