While not all Olive Garden offerings are authentically Italian, minestrone soup is a proud product of Italy. The preparation, which translates to big soup in English, has been enjoyed in Italy since ancient times, and recipes vary quite a bit depending on where the soup is being prepared. Most minestrones contain pasta, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and a variety of vegetables, including garlic, tomatoes, celery, carrots, and onions. It’s also customary to add beans, which boosts the heartiness of the recipe even further.
Some people substitute potatoes for pasta or add different vegetables according to seasonal availability. While meat isn’t always included, some recipes do call for the inclusion of chicken broth, which enriches the flavor of soups. Some minestrone recipes will also directly incorporate meat, such as beef, into the dish. Olive Garden’s version of the soup is in line with classic preparations, which should prove quite satisfying to lovers of genuine Italian recipes.