Name: Olive Garden 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; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup ditalini pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach

Few things are as comforting as a steaming bowl of minestrone, and when it’s inspired by Olive Garden, you know it hits just right. Brimming with hearty vegetables, tender beans, and savory Italian seasoning, this soup is more than a starter. It’s a nourishing meal that tastes like it’s been simmering on Nonna’s stove all afternoon. It offers that perfect balance of light yet filling, healthy yet deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re trying to recreate your favorite restaurant moment at home or simply want a cozy weeknight dinner, this copycat Olive Garden minestrone soup delivers. It’s meatless, vibrant, and loaded with textures that make each bite exciting. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up with pantry staples and fresh produce.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This soup is a crowd-pleaser even for those who typically pass on veggies. Thanks to the medley of zucchini, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, the addition of beans and pasta adds substance, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand, and it tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a family on a chilly evening, it checks all the boxes: healthy, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Can I Use Canned or Fresh Vegetables in Minestrone?

Both work beautifully! Canned tomatoes and beans save time without sacrificing flavor, while fresh green beans and zucchini provide that tender-crisp bite. Frozen vegetables can even be used in a pinch. The real magic lies in the seasoning and slow simmering that ties all the ingredients together.

Ingredients for the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This soup leans on a variety of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients to create a comforting, flavor-packed dish.

Olive oil
Yellow onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Zucchini
Green beans
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Vegetable broth
Kidney beans
Cannellini beans
Italian seasoning
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Ditalini pasta
Fresh spinach

Each of these brings either depth, texture, or color to the bowl. From the aromatic base of garlic and onion to the final handful of leafy spinach, they layer together into a deliciously balanced soup.

How To Make the Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. Then stir in garlic and let it become fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Hearty Ingredients

Mix in the zucchini, green beans, tomato paste, and canned tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Pasta and Greens

Add the ditalini pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Toss in the fresh spinach just before serving so it wilts gently in the hot broth.

How to Serve and Store Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

This minestrone feeds 6 to 8 people comfortably and makes a fantastic leftover. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of parmesan and a hunk of warm bread. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup also freezes well for up to 3 months — just cook the pasta separately if freezing to keep it from turning mushy.

What to Serve With Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?

Garlic Bread

Crispy and golden on the outside, soft and buttery inside. The ideal dipping companion.

Classic Caprese Salad

Bright tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer a refreshing counter to the hot soup.

Caesar Salad

Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons make this a satisfying side.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Add protein to your meal with this crispy, juicy favorite.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

The perfect roasted vegetable medley to echo the soup’s flavors.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Soft and chewy, this bread mops up every last spoonful like a dream.

Baked Ricotta Meatballs

For those wanting a heartier meal, these tender meatballs pair beautifully.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

If you’re serving a bigger crowd, this dish can act as a creamy complement.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, you’ll definitely want to try some other comforting bowlfuls:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra garlic? Swap the pasta type? Maybe threw in a spicy kick?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other soup smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting bowls on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort foods!

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s minestrone soup isn’t just a side, it’s a showstopper. This homemade version gives you all the flavor of the original with the satisfaction of cooking it yourself. With its customizable ingredients, cozy aroma, and nutritious bite, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat all year long.