Nothing is as tasty as a nice bowl of soup on a busy day. This Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is one of our favorites. Not only is it full of yummy veggies, but it is really pretty easy to throw together. As a woman who loves her semi-homemade meals, this is a perfect throw together meal that makes me feel like I made something spectacular without a ton of work in the kitchen or special skills.
COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN MINESTRONE SOUP
INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp Olive Oil
1 diced medium Onion
1 chopped small Zucchini
14 oz Italian Style Green Beans
1 diced stalk Celery
4 tsp minced Garlic
4 cup Vegetable Broth
30 ounce drained Red Kidney Beans
30 ounce drained Great Northern Beans
14 ounce can Diced Tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup Shredded Carrot
1/2 cup dry Red Wine (optional)
4 oz Tomato Paste
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Basil
1/4 tsp Thyme
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1 Bay Leaf
3 cup Hot Water
4 cups fresh Spinach
1 1/2 cup Shell Pasta
Salt and Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large stock pot.
Saute onion, celery, zucchini, and carrots until onions are clear.
Add garlic, green beans and tomato paste and stir.
Add the broth, red wine and  hot water and stir well.
Add tomatoes, beans, and spices.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove bay leaf.
Add spinach and pasta and cook for an additional 30 minutes.