Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is a delightful dish that captures the comforting essence of Italian cuisine. This soup is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a healthy, hearty option packed with vegetables and protein. The slow cooker method makes it easy to prepare, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Enjoy a warm bowl of this minestrone any time you crave something wholesome and fulfilling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal chopping and simple steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Flavorful Ingredients: A mix of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
- Versatile Meal: Great as a standalone dish or served with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free comfort food choice.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! Perfect for busy days.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, you will need some essential kitchen tools to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, enhancing flavors over several hours.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables evenly and efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Ensures quick and easy cutting of ingredients, saving you time in prep.
Ingredients
For the Broth Base
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
- 2 cups water
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced celery (3 stalks)
- 1 cup diced carrots (2 carrots)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion (1 small)
For the Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp dried rosemary crushed
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Vegetables and Beans
- 1 1/3 cups diced zucchini (1 small)
- 1 1/3 cups shell pasta
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can white navy beans or cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian green beans drained
- 2 cups packed chopped fresh spinach
For Serving
- Finely shredded Romano cheese for serving (Parmesan works too)
How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
Step 1: Prepare the Broth Base
Add vegetable stock, water, tomatoes, celery, carrots, onion, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and sugar to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Base
Set your slow cooker on low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Once the initial cooking time is up:
1. Stir in zucchini, shell pasta, garlic, kidney beans, and white beans.
2. Cook on high heat for an additional 30–40 minutes until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Final Touches
Stir in spinach and Italian green beans during the last few minutes until heated through. If desired, add more vegetable broth or water to thin out the soup.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle into bowls while warm and top with finely shredded Romano cheese before serving. Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup!
How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
Serving Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is simple yet delightful. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing your dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Top with Cheese
- Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch and enhances flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to brighten the presentation and taste.
Serve with a Salad
- A light side salad complements the soup well, adding freshness and crunch.
Offer a Squeeze of Lemon
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the flavors and add a touch of brightness.
Accompany with Grilled Veggies
- Grilled vegetables make a great side, providing additional nutrients and flavors that pair nicely with the soup.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
To achieve the best version of Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup, consider these helpful tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the soup’s flavor and texture compared to canned options.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference.
Cook Low and Slow: For maximum flavor infusion, cook on low heat for 6-8 hours rather than rushing it on high.
Add Pasta at the Right Time: Add pasta in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add seasonal veggies for variety, like squash or bell peppers.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup.
Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter makes for a flavorful accompaniment.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a tasty appetizer.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crispy cheese sandwiches provide comfort alongside the warm soup.
Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring additional flavors and textures to your meal.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs adds a protein-rich side that complements the soup well.
Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables make a filling addition to any plate.
Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes offer a unique twist while soaking up the flavorful broth beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality vegetables can affect the flavor of your soup. Always choose fresh and vibrant ingredients for the best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Add it in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to keep it al dente.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings before serving can lead to bland soup. Always taste and tweak your spices, salt, and pepper.
- Not preparing beans correctly: If you don’t rinse canned beans properly, they can add a metallic taste. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the soup.
- Using too much liquid: Adding too much stock or water can dilute the flavors. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for a balanced taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}.
Can I customize Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms based on your preference.
How long does Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute shell pasta with any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this minestrone soup vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it does not contain animal products.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is not only delicious but also versatile. It offers room for customization with various vegetables or pasta shapes. Enjoy this hearty dish any day of the week!
Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This comforting dish is brimming with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and aromatic herbs, making it a go-to choice for family dinners or meal prep. With a hands-off cooking process, you can set it and forget it while the ingredients meld together beautifully. Each bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying option for any day of the week. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
- 2 cups water
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced celery (3 stalks)
- 1 cup diced carrots (2 carrots)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion (1 small)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp dried rosemary crushed
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/3 cups diced zucchini (1 small)
- 1 1/3 cups shell pasta
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can white navy beans or cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian green beans drained
- 2 cups packed chopped fresh spinach
- Finely shredded Romano cheese for serving
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine vegetable stock, water, tomatoes, celery, carrots, onion, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and sugar; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- After the base is cooked, add zucchini, shell pasta, garlic, kidney beans, and white beans; cook on high for an additional 30–40 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in spinach and Italian green beans during the last few minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot topped with finely shredded Romano cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg