Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

The Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is the perfect dish for any occasion. This hearty, flavorful soup combines fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth. Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in, it provides a comforting taste of Italy right in your home. Plus, it’s easy to make in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: A blend of herbs and fresh veggies creates a deliciously satisfying broth.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, suitable for any meal of the day.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is nutritious and filling.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, you’ll need a few essential tools. Gathering these items beforehand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for making the soup effortlessly; it allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring even pieces for cooking.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your soup.

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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)
• 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 Pasta 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

For Serving

• 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 Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your vegetables. Chop the celery, carrots, onion, zucchini, garlic, and parsley as directed in the ingredients list.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the prepared vegetables along with vegetable stock, water, diced tomatoes, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and sugar into a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Base

Cook on low heat for 6 – 8 hours or on high heat for 3 – 4 hours until vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Beans

Once your base is cooked, stir in zucchini, shell pasta, minced garlic, kidney beans, and white beans. Cook on high heat for an additional 30 – 40 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach

Incorporate chopped spinach and Italian green beans into the pot. Allow them to cook for several minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm topped with finely shredded Romano cheese or Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup!

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

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup is a delightful experience that can enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy the soup with a slice of crusty artisan bread. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

Fresh Salad

• Pair your soup with a light, fresh salad. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can complement the hearty flavors of the minestrone.

Grated Cheese

• Top each bowl of soup with finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Lemon Wedges

• Serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.

Garlic Bread

• Offer garlic bread as a side. Its buttery, garlicky goodness pairs perfectly with the warmth of the minestrone soup.

Extra Herbs

• Provide extra fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish. This adds freshness and visual appeal to each serving.

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

To make your Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Use fresh vegetables: Freshly diced vegetables enhance flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for a balanced flavor profile.
• Cook low and slow: For maximum flavor development, opt for the low heat setting on your slow cooker when time allows.
• Add pasta at the right time: To prevent overcooking, add pasta about 30-40 minutes before serving when cooking on high.
• Incorporate seasonal vegetables: Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies for variety; this adds freshness and keeps your soup exciting.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight in the fridge!

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

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad: A mix of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze makes for a refreshing pairing.
2. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, roasted peppers, and marinated artichokes for a flavorful appetizer that complements the soup.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a crispy contrast to the warm soup.
4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide a comforting addition perfect for dipping.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring out natural sweetness and pair well with hearty minestrone.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide a nutritious option that aligns nicely with the soup’s flavors.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful texture that complements the soup beautifully.
8. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs offer a hearty side that’s sure to satisfy your hunger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}, it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their soup properly. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for the best flavor.
• Using regular stock: Standard vegetable stock can be too salty or lack flavor. Choose low-sodium vegetable stock for better control over the soup’s taste.
• Not cooking the pasta correctly: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Add it towards the end of cooking for a perfect texture.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can affect the soup’s flavor. Always opt for fresh, vibrant produce to enhance your dish.
• Overlooking customization: Sticking strictly to the recipe might limit your creativity. Feel free to substitute veggies or beans based on what you have available.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker}

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Yes, simply ensure all ingredients are plant-based, including broth and cheese substitutes.

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

Cooking time is approximately 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.

Can I add meat to this minestrone soup?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or beef for added protein and flavor.

What can I use instead of shell pasta?

You can substitute any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or ditalini if shell pasta isn’t available.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone Soup {Slow Cooker} is a delightful blend of flavors that warms you from the inside out. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans. Give this hearty recipe a try; it’s perfect for any meal!