Olive Garden's Minestrone Soup

I have had this recipe for a very long time and just made it a few nights ago. YUM! I am kicking myself for not making this sooner. It is a favorite of mine when we go to the olive garden and I thought there was no way it would taste the same. It is, in my opinion, the same recipe! It is healthy for you and sooo good. Give it a try. I would halve the recipe unless you are making it for a crowd. It makes about 8 servings (1 1/2 cups each) I cooked up some spicy sausage for Josh to add to his bowl, he said it had so much flavor he would be happy without the meat!

3 T. olive oil
1 cup minced white onion (about 1 small onion)
1/2 cup chopped zucchini (about 1 small zucchini)
1/2 cup frozen cut Italian green beans
1/4 cup minced celery (about 1/2 stalk)
4 t. minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
4 cups vegetable broth (2 1/4 cans, buy in quart if possible)
2 15 oz. cans red kidney beans, drained
1 15 oz. cans small white beans or great northern beans, drained
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded carrot
2 T. minced fresh parsley or 3 T dried
1 1/2 t. dried oregano
1 1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ground black pepper
1/2 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried thyme
2 bay leaves
3 cups hot water
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup small seashell pasta


1. Heat olive oil over med/low heat in a large saucepan or stock pot. Saute onion, zucchini, green beans, celery and garlic in the oil for 5 minutes or until onion begins to turn translucent.

2 Add broth to pot, plus drained beans, tomatoes, carrot, spices, bay leaves and hot water. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 min.

3 Add spinach and pasta and cook for an additional 20 min. or until desired soupy thickness.

To prove it's healthy I got this info off the Internet! Good and good for you :)

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 bowl (211.0 g)

Amount Per Serving
Calories 164
Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.0g 2%
Sodium 610mg 25%
Total Carbohydrates 18.0g 6%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g 20%
Protein 5.0g

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet