Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

The Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty, wholesome soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite Italian restaurant. With fresh vegetables, beans, and herbs simmered to perfection, it’s an ideal comfort food that can warm up chilly days or serve as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe uses a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while your meal cooks itself.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and vegetables creates a depth of flavor that rivals any restaurant version.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and legumes, this soup is a healthy choice for any meal.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a light dinner or serve with crusty bread for a heartier lunch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for low-and-slow cooking, enhancing flavors and tenderness without constant supervision.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping veggies, ensuring your prep work is tidy and efficient.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, reducing preparation time significantly.

Ingredients

For the 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 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 Soup Ingredients

• 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 Soup Base

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

Step 2: Cook the Base Ingredients

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 6 – 8 hours or on high heat for 3 – 4 hours.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. After the cooking time is up, add in the diced zucchini, shell pasta, minced garlic, kidney beans, and white beans.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

• Cook on high heat for an additional 30 – 40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Greens

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

Step 6: Serve

• If desired, add more vegetable broth or water to thin out the soup.
• Serve warm topped with finely shredded Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

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

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is a delightful experience, perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners. This hearty soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance the meal.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf pairs beautifully, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.

With Salad

• A fresh garden salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances the warm soup. Consider a simple vinaigrette dressing.

Topped with Cheese

• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese on top adds creaminess and elevates the flavors of the soup.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with additional fresh parsley or basil brightens the dish and adds extra flavor.

In a Bread Bowl

• Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation that makes for easy clean-up.

As Part of a Buffet

• Include it as a main attraction alongside other dishes for a buffet-style gathering, allowing guests to customize their meals.

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

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables provide better flavor and texture than canned or frozen options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving; feel free to add more herbs or spices according to your preference.
• Cook pasta separately: For an even better texture, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Thicken if needed: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it and stir back into the pot.
• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for about 30 minutes after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth of your soup.
2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a colorful salad that complements the flavors of minestrone.
3. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition while enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
5. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad with vinaigrette provides an additional carbohydrate source that pairs well with minestrone.
6. Cheese Platter
   A variety of cheeses served with crackers can be an appealing appetizer before enjoying your hearty soup.
7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   These classic sandwiches are comforting and pair well with minestrone, making them great for dipping!
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Flavorful stuffed mushrooms make an excellent finger food option that complements your flavorful soup nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} even more delightful. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Overcooking the vegetables – Cooking veggies for too long can lead to mushiness. Add delicate ingredients like spinach towards the end of cooking.
• Ignoring pasta timing – Adding pasta too early can result in a soggy texture. Toss it in during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.
• Using low-quality broth – A bland broth can ruin your soup’s taste. Choose a good quality low-sodium vegetable stock for better flavor.
• Not rinsing canned beans – Leaving the liquid on canned beans may add unwanted sodium and affect texture. Always rinse them before using.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

You can substitute shell pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh herbs can enhance flavor. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

How long does this Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} take to cook?

Cooking time varies; on low, it takes about 6-8 hours, while on high, it’s around 3-4 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal perfect for any occasion!