Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that captures the essence of comfort food. Perfect for cozy evenings or casual get-togethers, this soup is rich in flavor and nutrition. The blend of ground beef, beans, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it with friends, this Italian classic is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of creating a flavorful soup, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
• Rich in Flavor: With a combination of spices, vegetables, and meats, every spoonful bursts with rich Italian flavors.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from beans and beef, plus vitamins from vegetables, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking large batches of soup evenly without spilling.
• Sharp knife: Ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables for your soup.

Ingredients

This hearty and comforting Pasta e Fagioli soup is inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved classic. Loaded with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, it’s a simple, satisfying Italian-style soup that’s perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or ½ lb ground beef + ½ lb Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 1–2 cups carrots, sliced or diced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

For Seasoning

• 1½ teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

For the Liquid Components

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth (or 1 tsp bouillon per cup of water)
• 1 cup additional water, if needed

For Beans and Pasta

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained (light or dark)
• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

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How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef (or mix of beef and sausage) into the pot. Cook until browned while breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Incorporate diced onion, celery, and carrots into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Afterward, add crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Mix in Seasonings

Stir in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to blend all ingredients together. Bring mixture to a boil; taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 6: Incorporate Beans

Once boiling, add drained beans to the pot. Continue boiling to let flavors meld together.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta once boiling resumes. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture according to package directions (usually takes about 8–10 minutes).

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If your soup thickens too much during cooking, feel free to add up to 1 cup of additional water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve hot with garnished parsley on top along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate the dining experience for you and your guests. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that pair perfectly with this comforting soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a flavorful complement.
• French Baguette – A slice of fresh French baguette adds a crunchy texture.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella – Melted mozzarella can add a gooey delight to each bowl.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad offers crispness and complements the soup’s richness.
• Mixed Green Salad – A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaf – A single basil leaf can enhance the aroma and taste of the soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup takes a few simple steps. Here are some tips to make it truly shine.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and aroma of your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, or spices to meet your preference.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Ensure the ditalini pasta is cooked just right for perfect texture.
• Let It Simmer – Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors, but avoid overcooking beans.
• Add Extra Broth if Needed – If it thickens too much, feel free to add more broth or water to maintain consistency.

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Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can enhance the meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad – A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for variety.
3. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a delightful appetizer.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice and ground meat offer a filling side option.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables add a healthy and colorful touch to your meal.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip – A creamy dip served with tortilla chips or pita is always a crowd-pleaser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meat properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook until browned for depth in taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Follow package directions and add it towards the end of cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect the soup’s overall quality. Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality broth for best results.
• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to develop. Letting the soup sit for a few minutes enhances its taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Store the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-style soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta. It’s known for its comforting flavors.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, use turkey instead of beef, or substitute with your favorite pasta shapes.

How long does it take to make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick option for lunch or dinner.

Is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup healthy?

This soup is packed with protein from beans and meat as well as vitamins from vegetables, making it a nutritious choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth along with additional beans and veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Try making this comforting soup today; it’s perfect for any occasion!