Carrabba's Minestrone Soup Recipe

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If you've ever sat down at Carrabba's and started your meal with their famous Minestrone Soup, you know just how cozy and satisfying it is. Every spoonful is packed with vegetables, beans, and tender pasta in a rich tomato broth that tastes like it simmered all day.

The good news? You don't have to wait for a dinner out to enjoy it! You can make this copycat version right in your own kitchen, and it's every bit as hearty and delicious.

Soup in bowl with toasted biscuits. With soup pot in the foreground. — Carrabbas' minestrone soup

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Why you'll love this soup
Ingredients
Copycat Carrabba's Minestrone Soup
FAQ's
Deb's top tip
Variations
Related recipes
Serve with
Soup's on

Why you'll love this soup

This copycat Carrabba's minestrone delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, budget-friendly ingredients. It's loaded with veggies and beans, making it both nourishing and filling. The recipe is flexible too-you can swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it still turns out amazing.

Plus, it makes a big pot, so you'll have plenty for leftovers, and the flavors only get better the next day. Love that!!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

zucchini
onion
red bell pepper and green bell pepper
kale or spinach
cloves garlic
canned kidney beans, garbanzo beans or white beans
fire roasted tomatoes
tomato sauce
vegetable broth
Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes
olive oil

A red and white bowl full of the best minestrone soup recipe (if I make say so myself!) There are spoons beside the bowl and homemade toast points to enjoy with this soup. — **Minestrone Soup like Carrabba**

FAQ's

What kind of beans are used in minestrone soup?

Classic minestrone often includes cannellini beans, navy beans, or kidney beans. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all add hearty protein and creaminess to the broth.

What are the veggies used in minestrone soup?

One of the best things about minestrone is its flexibility. You can use carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, spinach, cabbage, or just about any veggie you've got in the fridge. It's a great "clean out the crisper drawer" recipe.

Is Carrabba's minestrone soup vegetarian?

The restaurant version is not-it contains prosciutto and chicken broth. If you'd like to make it vegetarian, just swap in vegetable broth and leave out the prosciutto. The soup will still be hearty and delicious.

Deb's top tip

For the best flavor, let your minestrone simmer low and slow so the veggies and beans soak up all that savory broth. If you're planning on leftovers or freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it in when serving-this keeps it from getting too soft.

Make it a day before serving. The flavor will be even more delicious!

A spoonful of the best minestrone soup recipe. There's a red bowl in the background filled with more minestrone soup. — Carrabba's Minestrone Soup Recipe

Variations

Add a bay leaf to the soup as its simmers on the stove. Remove before serving.
Additional fresh vegetables include; medium potatoes, large stalk celery, fresh green beans or eggplant.
Drop a Romano rind or parmesan rind into the soup as it cooks. That will give it a ton of flavor.
Speaking of cheese, topping it with freshly grated romano cheese is delicious!
For a hearty minestrone soup, add browned Italian sausage.

If you're craving more cozy bowls of goodness, I've got you covered! My Mediterranean Lentil Soup is packed with protein and bold flavors that make it both nourishing and satisfying. If you're in the mood for classic comfort, my creamy Potato Soup is always a family favorite-it's rich, hearty, and ready in no time.

And for something lighter but just as flavorful, try my Roasted Tomato Vegetable Soup, bursting with fresh roasted veggies and a deep, savory taste. Each of these soups brings its own unique twist to the table, and they're all simple, delicious, and perfect for busy days!

To make the best homemade soup, check out Homemade Soup; A Complete Guide. In this free resource, I've compiled all of my knowledge about soup; hints, tricks and soup-making tips to help you make the very best soups and stews at home!

Serve with

Minestrone is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it's even better with a little something on the side. Serve it with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad makes a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich tomato base, and if you're feeding a crowd, pair it with a simple sandwich or panini for a complete meal.

Don't forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top-because a little extra cheese is always a good idea!

Soup's on

So there you have it-Carrabba's Minestrone, right from your own kitchen! It's hearty, healthy, and downright comforting. Whether you're serving it as a starter for a cozy dinner or ladling up a big bowl for lunch, this soup has a way of making everyone at the table happy.

Give it a try, then come back and tell me how it turned out-I love hearing your kitchen wins! And if you're in the mood for more cozy bowls, check out my other soup recipes for even more inspiration.

Comments

5 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)