Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This flavorful soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both satisfying and nutritious. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, providing you with an easy meal that can be enjoyed at home or served to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation – Simply add all your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful – A rich combination of herbs and spices brings out the best in each ingredient.
• Versatile – Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
• Healthy – Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and beans, it’s a great option for a balanced meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker – The key to this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking while deepening flavors.
• Chef’s knife – Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently for even cooking.
• Mixing spoon – Important for stirring ingredients together before cooking to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes

For the Vegetables

• 1 cup diced celery (3 stalks)
• 1 cup diced carrots (2 carrots)
• 1 cup diced yellow onion (1 small)
• 1 1/3 cups diced zucchini (1 small)

For the Seasoning

• 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

For the Beans and Pasta

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 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

For Serving

• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian green beans drained
• 2 cups packed chopped fresh spinach
• Finely shredded Romano cheese for serving (Parmesan works too)

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Add vegetable stock, water, diced tomatoes, celery, carrots, onion, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and sugar to your slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 2: Cook the Base Ingredients

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 nicely.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

After the initial cooking time:
1. Add zucchini, shell pasta, minced garlic, kidney beans, and white beans.
2. Cook on high heat for an additional 30 – 40 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Finish with Greens

Stir in chopped spinach and Italian green beans. Cook for several more minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm topped with finely shredded Romano cheese or Parmesan. Enjoy this delicious Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} with some crusty bread!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. The soup’s rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• French Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette and serve it alongside the soup for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that complements the soup perfectly.

Topped with Cheese

• Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Grate some cheese over each bowl before serving to enhance the flavor and add creaminess.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well, offering crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
• Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

As Part of a Meal

• With Grilled Chicken: Serve grilled chicken on the side for those wanting extra protein.
• Pasta Dish: Offer a small portion of pasta dressed with olive oil and herbs as an added option.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Perfecting your Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.

• Bold flavors: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a more vibrant taste. Fresh parsley and basil can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Vegetable variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for additional color and nutrition.
• Pasta timing: Add the pasta later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy. Cooking it separately can also help maintain its texture.
• Adjusting consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less water or vegetable broth. Conversely, add more liquid for a thinner consistency.
• Seasoning carefully: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed; sometimes, just a pinch of salt can make all the difference.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup enhances the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic offer a delicious side that’s perfect for dipping.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender bring out natural sweetness and add color to your meal.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing provides a nutritious boost.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer another hearty option that aligns well with minestrone flavors.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips or pita bread adds an indulgent touch to your meal.
7. Focaccia Bread: This Italian flatbread topped with herbs is perfect for soaking up every last bit of soup.
8. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles can serve as a low-carb side that pairs excellently with minestrone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Using the wrong type of beans or vegetables can alter the taste. Stick to the ingredients listed for an authentic flavor.
• Bold Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Follow the timing for adding zucchini, pasta, and leafy greens to ensure they retain some crunch.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each vegetable has a different water content. Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper accordingly for best results.
• Bold Skipping Fresh Herbs: Using only dried herbs can lead to a lack of freshness. If possible, opt for fresh herbs where indicated for enhanced flavor.
• Bold Not Prepping Ingredients: Cutting vegetables too large or unevenly will affect cooking time and texture. Ensure all pieces are uniform for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm throughout, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}.

What is Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}?

Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is a hearty vegetable soup made with beans, pasta, and fresh veggies, simmered slowly for rich flavors.

Can I customize Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or even swap out beans according to your preference.

How do I make it gluten-free?

To make Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at stores.

How spicy is this minestrone soup?

The recipe is not spicy; however, you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead?

Yes! Frozen vegetables are a great alternative and will save prep time while still providing good nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its versatility means you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand. Try it today and enjoy a delicious bowl of hearty goodness!