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.
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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
Copycat Carrabba's Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 small zucchini chopped
- ½ red onion chopped
- ½ red bell pepper chopped
- ½ green bell pepper chopped
- 4 cups kale chopped (spinach is a great substitute)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato sauce
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 2-4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Directions
- In a large stock pot over medium heat add oil and sauté the zucchini, onions, peppers and garlic until they just begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the kidney beans, garlic, kale and spices - Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and continue sautéing for again for about 2 more minutes.
- Next add the vegetable stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and loosely cover. Simmer on the stove for about an hour stirring occasionally. You may need to add more water to soup - just keep an eye on it. After an hour, check and adjust seasoning - you may need a bit more salt & pepper.
- If you enjoy pasta in your Minestrone Soup cook it separately and add it to the soup before serving. If you cook them together, it will absorb all the sauce. Be creative and use your favorite vegetables, enjoy!
Notes
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Nutrition
FAQ's
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.
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.
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!
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.
Related recipes
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.
Madi says
I love milestrone soup but some how, I've never actually made it! I'll definitely be giving this version a go!
Lisa@Lisa's Dinnertime Dish says
This soup looks so hearty and delicious! I can't believe it only has 200 hundred calories! I definitely need to try this soon!
Bowl Me Over says
Most definitely Lisa! I hope you really enjoy this guilt-free soup!
Dan from Platter Talk says
As crazy as this sounds, I have never made a minestrone soup. Once again your beautiful work has inspired me to take care of that issue soon! Thanks for yet another beautiful recipe.
Bowl Me Over says
No way! With all of the cooking you do that's a big surprise! Yep, time to make a pot of soup, I hope you really enjoy minestrone!
Ashlyn says
I'm loving all of the beautiful veggies in this soup! So healthy and flavorful; going to add this to our dinner rotation!
Bowl Me Over says
Fantastic, it's a soup everyone loves - thanks for stopping by Ashlyn!
Angela says
Minestrone is one of my all time favorites! Such a comfort meal for me and always makes me think of my grandparents and their rustic Italian cooking.
Bowl Me Over says
I love it when food brings back memories! Thank you for sharing and enjoy the soup Angela!!
Ilka says
What a great recipe for a great soup classic! Noting feels as comforting during the cold weather like a warm Minestrone Soup!
Bowl Me Over says
Soup is always good food! 😀 All those veggies are so yummy, thanks Ilka!!
Hope says
This looks so hearty and inviting and the perfect healthy meal to have on a busy week night! Yum!
Bowl Me Over says
The perfect combo Hope! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
Kim @ Three Olives Branch says
Minestrone is one of my absolute favorite soups! And I agree, it is so easy to make when you can use what you have on hand. This looks absolutely delicious!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Kim - always a favorite here too!
Sarah says
It's absolutely soup weather this week in New England and this is a perfect new recipe to try for the occasion!
Bowl Me Over says
One order coming up Sarah! 😉 Enjoy!!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
Minestrone is my favorite soup to make -- I love that you are putting fire roasted tomatoes in this! I will have to try that next time. Just reading your post makes me want a pot simmering on my stove! Will have to make this week.
Bowl Me Over says
Such an easy soup with so much flavor. Thank you Michelle!
Brandi Crawford says
I love that this is easy and healthy. Looks so hearty!
Bowl Me Over says
Very hearty for an all veggie soup, I hope you really enjoy it Brandi!
Rae says
Minestrone is my favorite soup when it's cold outside or when I'm feeling crummy like I am today. Really wish I had a bowl of this today!
Bowl Me Over says
If I was closer I'd be sending a bowl your way!! I hope you feel better soon!
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs says
Minestrone is one of my absolute favourites. Looks like yours is jam packed full of goodies!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Emma, love all those yummy vegetables!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
Easy, tasty and healthy..This soup is calling my name. It's been a while since I had a good minestrone. Need to try this soon 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
I hope you do Stephanie, if so swing back and let me know what you think!!
Luci's Morsels says
This recipe looks delicious and your pictures are beautiful! I love how easy this is and perfect for any night of the week. Thank you for sharing! Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Bowl Me Over says
Easy and delicious, nailed it Luci!! Thank you for the compliment on my picture too, love picture taking!!
Michelle says
Delish. Good clean-out-the-fridge soup ....all those yummy little odds and ends. I always feel economical AND healthy when I eat it.
Bowl Me Over says
I totally agree Michelle! It's one of the best outa the fridge kinda soups, love that!!
Healing Tomato says
I have such fond memories of eating Minestrone soup while growing up. Don't know why I stopped eating as a grown up. Your recipe looks delicious and it has inspired me to make Minestrone soup. Love the photos too, Debra
Bowl Me Over says
You know it's such a great soup to use up all of those leftover bits of veggies too, such a lovely soup! Enjoy Rini & thank you so much for the compliment!!