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Maggiano's Minestrone Copycat Soup Recipe

This Italian classic from Maggiano's is comfort in a bowl, packed with fresh veggies, beans, and pasta swimming in a savory tomato broth. It's the kind of soup that makes you feel like you're dining at a cozy Italian restaurant, but you're actually in your pajamas at home (no judgment here!). Make a big batch because everyone's going to want seconds!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 medium carrots diced
  • 3 celery stalks diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes with juice
  • 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 15-oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta shells or ditalini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn.
  3. Stir in zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 3 minutes.
  4. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add both types of beans. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in the fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt. Remove bay leaf.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve with crusty Italian bread for the full Maggiano's experience!