How to make THE OLIVE GARDEN'S | Minestrone Soup/Restaurant Recipe Recreations

canned diced tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomato puree

Fresh tomatoes can enhance flavor while puree is often less expensive.

cannellini beans

🥗Healthier: chickpeas

💰Cheaper: navy beans

Chickpeas provide similar protein with fewer calories.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: rice

Whole grain pasta increases fiber, while rice is often more affordable.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade stock can be healthier and more flavorful.

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.

Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in the pot.

Add 3/4 cup diced celery, 3/4 cup diced carrot, 3/4 cup quartered zucchini, and 1 cup diced yellow onion; sauté until softened.

Grate in 2 large garlic cloves and stir.

Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir into the vegetable mixture.

Once the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, add 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 can of diced tomato.

Add 1 cup of frozen cut green beans.

Add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and stir.

Add 2 teaspoons of Good Seasons Italian seasoning and simmer until vegetables are tender.

Season with 2 pinches of kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Add rinsed and drained cannellini beans and dark red kidney beans.

Add 2 cups of cooked miniature shell pasta and stir to heat through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens