Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, a hearty and nutritious delight perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. This vibrant and flavorful soup is packed with fresh seasonal vegetables, protein-rich beans, and small pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it alongside toasted bread or grilled cheese sandwiches, this homemade minestrone delivers a satisfying experience with each spoonful. Embrace the versatility of this recipe by customizing it with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy days.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion (Finely Chopped)
  • 3–4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • 2 Carrots (Diced)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (Diced)
  • 1/2 Cup French Beans (Cut)
  • 1/2 Cup Corn
  • 1/2 Cup Zucchini (Diced)
  • 1.5 Cups Red Kidney Beans (Boiled (13.5oz canned beans))
  • 1.5 Teaspoons Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 Teaspoon Thyme
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
  • 28 oz San Marzano Tomatoes (Better if you can find Fire Roasted Diced)
  • 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Cup Mini Shells (You can also use Ditallini, Mini Elbow shaped Pasta, Orzo or Bulgar)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté bay leaves, onion, and garlic until golden.
  2. Add diced carrots and celery; mix well before incorporating zucchini, corn, and French beans.
  3. Season with oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and sugar; stir to combine.
  4. Add mini pasta and fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat until pasta and veggies are tender.
  6. Once thickened (approximately 15-20 minutes), garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for enhanced flavor. Feel free to add extra seasonal vegetables for additional nutrition. Experiment with different types of pasta to change texture.

save me