Olive Garden Minestrone Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
02 - 1 cup finely diced onion
03 - 2 stalks celery, cut into ½-inch slices
04 - 1 cup carrots, quartered and cut into ½-inch pieces
05 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Liquid and Seasonings

06 - 6 cups regular sodium vegetable broth
07 - 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
08 - 3 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley
12 - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
13 - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
14 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
15 - ¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Vegetables and Legumes

16 - 1 zucchini or yellow squash, quartered and cut into ½-inch pieces
17 - 1 (15-ounce) can cannelini beans, rinsed and drained
18 - 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
19 - ½ cup ditalini or elbow pasta
20 - ¾ cup frozen green beans
21 - 2 cups coarsely chopped spinach

# Instructions:

01 - Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
02 - Pour in vegetable broth and add tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, parsley, sugar, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
03 - Once boiling, add squash and the rinsed and drained beans. Return to a boil, then add pasta and frozen green beans. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 7-8 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
04 - Stir in chopped spinach and turn off heat. Allow soup to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

# Notes:

01 - Make your own Italian seasoning blend for best flavor
02 - Elbow pasta works best as a substitute for ditalini
03 - Add spinach at the very end to preserve its color and nutrients
04 - Store cooled soup in airtight containers in refrigerator for 4-5 days
05 - Freeze in large containers or individual portions for up to 4-5 months

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