Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup
There’s nothing like a warming bowl of soup on a cold day, especially when that soup is rich and hearty like the classic Instant Pot Minestrone Soup from the Olive Garden. This delicious and easy-to-make dish is perfect for feeding your family on busy weeknights or for entertaining guests with a special home-cooked meal.
Featuring ingredients like beans, tomatoes, carrots, and pasta, this flavorful copycat minestrone soup is chock full of nutrients and irresistible flavors.
Simply add your ingredients to your Instant Pot or another pressure cooker, let it do its magic, and you’ll have yourself a steaming batch of the delicious Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup in no time at all. So why wait? Whip up a big pot of this mouthwatering Olive Garden favorite today! You won’t regret it!
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Contents
What Is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?
Olive Garden is one of America’s favorite restaurants, and for good reason. The food is hearty and flavorful, and the portions are generous.
One of the most popular items on the menu is Olive Garden Minestrone Soup. It’s the best minestrone soup recipe I’ve tasted and is cooked in a savory tomato broth.
What Is In Olive Garden Minestrone Soup?
This Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta. The combination of flavors works together perfectly to create a delicious and satisfying soup that will keep you coming back for more.
How Do You Pronounce Minestrone Soup?
Minestrone soup is typically pronounced “mih-nuh-STROW-nay.” However, the pronunciation can vary based on geographical location or personal preference.
Is Minestrone Soup Healthy?
Yes, Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is a healthy and nutritious choice.
This copycat soup is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots and tomatoes, as well as beans and pasta for filling fiber and carbs. Plus, the savory tomato broth adds even more nutritional value to this comforting dish.
Make Instant Pot Minestrone Soup Olive Garden Style!
This Olive Garden copycat minestrone soup recipe is as delicious as the restaurant version. And it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
If you’re in the mood for some Olive Garden soup, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.
nstant Pot Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Ingredients
The best part of this recipe is that there’s virtually no prep work since you are using simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil– I use olive oil, but you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter if you choose.
- 3/4 Cup Diced Onion– Dice up a white or yellow onion for this soup. I think yellow onions taste better, but that’s just my opinion.
- 1/2 Cup Carrots– You’ll want to peel, quarter and slice enough carrots to equal half of a cup.
- 1 Zucchini– Cut your zucchini in half and slice it.
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic– You can mince your garlic cloves, or you can buy a jar of already minced garlic. I use the jar to make this recipe even quicker.
- 1 Can Diced tomatoes- I use canned tomatoes, but you can use fresh tomatoes as well.
- 4 Cups Vegetable Broth– Since there’s no meat in this recipe, you’ll want to use vegetable broth. If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use beef broth or chicken broth instead.
- 1/4 Cup Tomato Paste– This helps thicken up your soup.
- 1 Can Cannellini Beans – these are also called great northern beans.
- 1 Can Kidney Beans
- 1 Can Cut Green Beans or 1 Cup Frozen Green Beans
- 1/2 Cup Pasta – I use the small shell pasta or Barilla Ditalini.
- 2 Cups Fresh Spinach– Use fresh baby spinach leaves. Canned spinach doesn’t work well because it gets overcooked.
- 2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Parsley
How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup
With just 5-minutes of prep and 25-minutes of cook time, you will have a delicious Olive Garden minestrone soup on the table in 30-minutes. Get prepared to be impressed!
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Carrots
Hit the sauté or sear button and heat olive oil. Once it is hot, sauté the onions and carrots for about three minutes allowing them to soften.
Step 2: Add Zucchini and Garlic
Next, add the zucchini and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes letting those soften. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another 30-seconds.
Step 3: Add Ingredients To Instant Pot
Press cancel on your Instant Pot. Add your canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and green beans.
Step 4: Pressure Cook Minestrone Soup
Close the lid, put your pressure valve into the sealing position, hit pressure cook or manual and set the time for 3-minutes.
Step 5: Quick Release Minestrone Soup
Once the instant pot is done, do a quick release by releasing the valve and pressure.
Step 6: Add Pasta To Minestrone Soup
After taking the lid off your instant pot, add in your pasta. Mix so that everything is well incorporated. Put the lid back on the Instant Pot and close the ceiling valve.
Allow your pasta to sit in the soup for about five minutes. Check your pasta to make sure it’s tender.
Step 7: Add Spinach Leaves To Minestrone Soup
Season your minestrone soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Add in the spinach leaves and stir. Allow them to cook for about two minutes.
Step 8: Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Once the spinach has wilted, transfer your soup to your favorite soup bowl and add any more salt and pepper you may like. Serve with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Why Is My Soup Spraying Out of My Pressure Valve?
Sometimes the pressure is too high inside your Instant Pot to do a quick release. If your soup is spewing out of the pressure valve when you release it, put it back into the sealing position.
Wait for 10-15 minutes, and then release the pressure.
Why Won’t My Noodles Soften?
If your noodles haven’t softened after sitting in the soup for 5-minutes, you can push the saute button to essentially boil them.
Just keep an eye on them and hit cancel when your noodles are the way you like them.
The pasta should soften perfectly if you follow the instructions but it can vary if you choose a different type of pasta.
Can I Use Vegetable Stock Instead Of Veggie Broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable stock in place of vegetable broth.
Just make sure it has a good flavor and isn’t salty. You may need to add some additional seasonings if you find the stock is bland or acidic.
You can also use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand and you might want to add a bay leaf or two to your savory broth.
Are Fresh Beans or Canned Beans Better?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as both fresh and canned beans have their own unique benefits.
Fresh green beans tend to be a little more tender and mild in flavor, while canned beans may be more convenient and cost-effective. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and what works best for you!
What Are The 4 Homemade Soups At Olive Garden?
There are many delicious homemade soups at Olive Garden, but some of the most popular options include minestrone soup, chicken and gnocchi soup, pesto genovese soup, and zuppa toscana soup.
Each of these soups has its own unique flavor profile and ingredients, making them favorite restaurant recipes.
Variations For Minestrone Soup?
If you want to try other ingredients in your minestrone soup feel free to experiment. Here are a few suggestions:
Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed red pepper flakes can add a kick of spice to your Olive garden minestrone soup. Add just a 1/2 teaspoon so it’s not too overpowering.
Butternut Squash
I like to add some cubes of butternut squash to my olive garden minestrone soup.
Seasonal veggies such as yellow squash or sweet potatoes are a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Cooked Italian Sausage
If you want to add a little meat to your copycat olive garden minestrone then I’d recommend Italian sausage. Just cook it up first and add it to your soup for a hearty and flavorful dish.
Russet Potatoes
Add a cup of tiny diced russet potatoes to your soup cuisine for a little more texture and heartiness.
How Long Does Minestrone Soup Last In The Fridge?
If you have any left over minestrone soup, store it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will keep for 3-5 days
Can You Freeze Minestrone Soup?
Yes, you can freeze your Olive garden soup in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
You can store this copycat soup for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I Make Minestrone Soup In The Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can easily make minestrone soup in the slow cooker. Simply add all of your ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
When your soup is ready, taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving. Enjoy!
What To Serve With Minestrone Soup
You really can’t have Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup without salad and breadsticks. When you’re making Olive Garden soup recipes, you have to have Olive Garden-like to go with it!
What Goes With Minestrone Soup?
You might enjoy the following serving suggestions for your hearty soup.
Is Minestrone Soup Vegan?
Some variations of Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup may be vegan, depending on the ingredients that are used.
This copycat soup recipe is a vegan soup…so long as you stick with olive oil and don’t use butter.
Is Minestrone Soup A Clear Soup?
It depends on the specific ingredients that you use and how long you cook your Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup.
Some versions of this soup are clear, while others may have a thicker or creamier consistency.
If you’re looking for a traditional Italian-style minestrone soup, then this is one of the most delish soups you can make.
How To Make Minestrone Soup Thicker?
There are a few different ways to thicken your copycat Olive Garden minestrone soup.
One option is to swap some of the liquid in the recipe for puréed vegetables, such as potatoes or butternut squash.
Try Adding Cornstarch
You can also try adding a little cornstarch or flour to help thicken the broth. And finally, you can puree some of the soup right in the pot with an immersion blender or regular blender.
Whichever method you choose, just be sure to stir frequently while it cooks so that your Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup doesn’t scorch!
Is Minestrone Soup Good For A Cold?
While there is no definitive answer to this question, some people believe that minestrone soup may indeed help fight off colds.
This is because the ingredients in Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help boost your immune system.
Whether or not Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup can help you recover from a cold, one thing is for sure – it’s a delicious and comforting meal on a cold day and it’s packed with nutrition fromall the veggies which is something you need when unwell.
Is Minestrone Soup Good For Constipation?
Not only is it absolutely delicious, minestrone soup may help alleviate constipation, thanks to its high fiber content.
This fiber comes from the vegetables and beans used in Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, which promotes healthy digestion.
Is Minestrone Soup Good For Upset Stomach?
In addition to being good for constipation, Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup may also be helpful in relieving an upset stomach.
This is because the veggies and beans in this soup are packed with prebiotics and probiotics, which can help restore balance in your gut microbiome.
Whether you’re suffering from a cold, constipation, or an upset stomach, Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a delicious and nourishing option to help you feel your best!
Looking For More Instant Pot Recipes?
If you love making minestrone soup then you’ll also enjoy these Instant pot recipes:
- Delicious Tomato Basil Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Soup
- Instant Pot Cauliflower And Parmesan Soup
- Delicious Coconut Curry Soup
- Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
- What Goes With Gumbo
- Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo
Instant Pot Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil– I use olive oil, but you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter if you choose.
- 3/4 Cup Diced Onion– Dice up a white or yellow onion for this soup. I think yellow onions taste better, but that’s just my opinion.
- 1/2 Cup Carrots– You’ll want to peel, quarter and slice enough carrots to equal half of a cup.
- 1 Zucchini– Cut your zucchini in half and slice it.
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic– You can mince your garlic cloves, or you can buy a jar of already minced garlic. I use the jar to make this recipe even quicker.
- 1 Can Diced tomatoes- I use canned tomatoes, but you can use fresh tomatoes as well.
- 4 Cups Vegetable Broth– Since there’s no meat in this recipe, you’ll want to use vegetable broth. If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use beef broth or chicken broth instead.
- 1/4 Cup Tomato Paste– This helps thicken up your soup.
- 1 Can Cannellini Beans - these are also called great northern beans.
- 1 Can Kidney Beans
- 1 Can Cut Green Beans or 1 Cup Frozen Green Beans
- 1/2 Cup Pasta – I use the small shell pasta or Barilla Ditalini.
- 2 Cups Fresh Spinach– Use fresh baby spinach leaves. Canned spinach doesn’t work well because it gets overcooked.
- 2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Carrots
Hit the sauté or sear button and heat olive oil. Once it is hot, sauté the onions and carrots for about three minutes allowing them to soften.
Step 2: Add Zucchini and Garlic
Next, add the zucchini and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes letting those soften. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another 30-seconds.
Step 3: Add Ingredients To Instant Pot
Press cancel on your Instant Pot. Add your canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and green beans.
Step 4: Pressure Cook Minestrone Soup
Close the lid, put your pressure valve into the sealing position, hit pressure cook or manual and set the time for 3-minutes.
Step 5: Quick Release Minestrone Soup
Once the instant pot is done, do a quick release by releasing the valve and pressure.
Step 6: Add Pasta To Minestrone Soup
After taking the lid off your instant pot, add in your pasta. Mix so that everything is well incorporated. Put the lid back on the Instant Pot and close the ceiling valve.
Allow your pasta to sit in the soup for about five minutes. Check your pasta to make sure it’s tender.
Step 7: Add Spinach Leaves To Minestrone Soup
Season your minestrone soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Add in the spinach leaves and stir. Allow them to cook for about two minutes.
Step 8: Serve Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Once the spinach has wilted, transfer your soup to your favorite soup bowl and add any more salt and pepper you may like. Serve with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
What size diced tomatoes? 14 or 28
28 Oz Can
Thanks!!
Are the cans of beans drained?
Yes.
Didn’t have green beans so added carrots then didn’t have spinach so added cooked collards. Used diced tomatoes with onion instead of adding raw and didn’t have tomato paste and I used orzo came out really good!!!
Ooh I’m glad you enjoyed it. Sounds delish! I love Orzo!