Minestrone Soup Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat) - The Kitchen Girl (2024)

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This hearty minestrone soup recipe is a comforting tomato broth soup loaded with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta. Feed your army on a budget with this delicious soup inspired by the famous Olive Garden minestrone!

What is minestrone?

Minestrone is an Italian vegetable and pasta soup with beans and a tomato base. It's so hearty and filling that it's often enjoyed as an entree. This classic vegetable minestrone recipe is a staple in our healthy meal rotation.

It's so easy to make a minestrone using a pressure cooker or stove, and I have included instructions for both methods. This soup is as hearty and comforting as white bean kale soup but with a slightly thicker tomato base.

If you like bread, nothing beats the comfort of dunking French bread or homemade crostini into this vegetable pasta soup. Or top it with homemade croutons and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredient notes

Get the full printable recipe below.

• Olive oil - or preferred oil
• Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic - These classic aromatics are budget-friendly, always available, and add volume to your minestrone soup.
• Zucchini - An essential minestrone ingredient that's available any season of the year.
• Beans - I used white and red kidney beans. Use any variety you prefer.
• Pasta - I use thicker pasta for the Instant Pot and thinner pasta for the stove method (see the section below for details).
• Canned tomatoes - I prefer crushed tomatoes, but you can use any variety of plain or Italian-seasoned canned tomatoes.
• Vegetable broth - Or chicken broth.
• Italian seasoning - Use store-bought or make your own.
• Oregano - This is always welcome in an Italian minestrone recipe.
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh spinach - This can be substituted with finely chopped kale, if desired.
• Optional garnish ingredients - Toppings like fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or croutons make this soup even more flavorful and exciting.

Difference between vegetable minestrone and vegetable soup

Minestrone is a vegetable soup made with a hearty tomato broth, pasta noodles, and beans, adding volume, texture, and nutrients. As a result, it's often enjoyed as a main course. A classic vegetable soup is a broth-based soup made with any combination of vegetables but doesn't traditionally include pasta or beans.

The best pasta for this soup

Since the pasta is cooked right in the soup, you'll want to ensure you don't overcook it. A thick shell pasta such as orecchiette or elbow macaroni noodles will hold up nicely in the Instant Pot's enclosed environment. Thin pasta, such as medium shells, will cook a little faster, so be mindful of the cooking time when using the stove method.

How to make minestrone soup

Enjoy these step-by-step instructions. Get the printable instructions in the recipe card below, including pressure cooker instructions.

First, saute the onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beans, tomatoes, pasta, broth, and seasonings.

Stir in tomatoes and bring everything just to a boil. Then, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked.

Now it's time to garnish this scrumptious soup with your favorite toppings. I love the combination of Parmesan cheese, parsley, and croutons. Then serve and devour! You'll love the minimal effort it takes to make a delicious minestrone soup that feeds an army on a budget.

How to season minestrone soup

The most convenient way to season minestrone is to use dried Italian seasoning early in the recipe. A classic blend usually includes marjoram, basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory, and sage. You might already have the five spices needed for a simple Italian seasoning substitute if it's unavailable.

Recipe variations

This minestrone has a ton of flavor and texture on its own. It can be customized with these textures and flavors when serving.

• Other vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans, can be added before simmering this soup.
• Add protein by tossing in shredded whole chicken or leftover air fryer chicken breast during the last few minutes of the cooking cycle.
• Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to kick up the heat. Alternatively, you can serve minestrone with hot sauce or Italian chili oil.
• When serving, squeeze fresh lemon over the soup. This touch of acidity brightens the flavor.
• Serve minestrone with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance flavor.

Can I freeze minestrone soup?

Yes! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Portion and package into freezer-safe containers, then label and freeze for up to 90 days (or more if vacuum sealed). Transfer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before reheating.

Easy soup recipes you'll love

• Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
• Old Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup
• Italian Sausage Soup with Orzo
• Lasagna Soup
• Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
• Kale Chickpea Soup In A Hurry

📖 Recipe