Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of hearty ingredients that warm you from the inside out. Perfect for any occasion, this soup brings comfort and satisfaction to your table. With its rich flavor profile featuring ground beef, beans, and vegetables, it’s a recipe that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your household.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• Seasonings
• Liquids
• Beans and Pasta
• Garnishes
• How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Brown the Meat
• Step 3: Add Vegetables
• Step 4: Incorporate Seasonings
• Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Broth
• Step 6: Boil with Beans
• Step 7: Cook the Pasta
• Step 8: Adjust Consistency
• Step 9: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• With Crusty Bread
• Topped with Cheese
• Garnished with Herbs
• Accompanied by Salad
• In a Bread Bowl
• With a Side of Garlic Bread
• How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different beans in this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• How do I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
• What type of pasta works best in Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• How long does it take to prepare Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with protein and veggies, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this comforting dish in under an hour.
• Versatile: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for leftovers, this soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
• Family-Friendly: The delicious flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup effortlessly. Having everything on hand will streamline your preparation and ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the entire batch evenly without splattering.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables while protecting your counters.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for even cooking and efficient prep work.

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

Seasonings

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

Liquids

• 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

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

Garnishes

• Parsley, dried or fresh (optional, for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

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

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef (or beef and sausage mix). Cook until browned:
1. Break apart as it cooks.
2. Ensure it is evenly browned without pink spots.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Mix in diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes:
– Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
– Add crushed garlic; cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Seasonings

Stir in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce along with broth:
– Stir well to combine all ingredients.
– Bring mixture to a boil; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Boil with Beans

Add drained kidney beans and continue boiling:
– Allow flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling:
– Stir in ditalini pasta.
– Cook until al dente according to package directions (usually about 8–10 minutes).

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If soup thickens too much:
– Add up to 1 cup additional water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve hot:
– Garnish with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

This hearty Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Here are some serving suggestions that enhance the experience and bring out the flavors of this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy this soup with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A fresh baguette or Italian bread works wonderfully.

Topped with Cheese

• For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It adds a rich, savory touch.

Garnished with Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil as a garnish. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds freshness to each bowl.

Accompanied by Salad

• Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the hearty soup beautifully.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It makes for an impressive presentation and is perfect for dipping!

With a Side of Garlic Bread

• Pair your soup with garlic bread for an added punch of flavor. The buttery garlic spread pairs perfectly with the soup’s richness.

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How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to make it even better.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly compared to canned or frozen options.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. It’s easy to customize!

• Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors. Just ensure you don’t overcook the pasta.

• Add More Beans: If you love beans, consider adding more varieties such as black beans or pinto beans for added texture and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complement your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic pairing; buttery and garlicky, it’s perfect for dipping into the soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.

3. Caprese Salad
   Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a bright and flavorful side.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These are packed with cheese and herbs, making them a savory bite alongside your soup.

5. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes for a light and tasty side option.

6. Parmesan Crisps
   Crunchy parmesan crisps add texture and can be enjoyed as a snack while savoring your soup.

7. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.

8. Antipasto Platter
   A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates an inviting appetizer before diving into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Using the wrong meat – Using only ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Consider mixing it with Italian sausage for added depth.
• Neglecting the vegetables – Skipping vegetables can make the soup bland. Always include onions, celery, and carrots for richness.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta for too long results in mushy texture. Add it at the end and cook until al dente.
• Forgetting to season – Insufficient seasoning can leave your soup flat. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or herbs.
• Not simmering long enough – Rushing the cooking process can prevent flavors from developing. Allow adequate simmering time for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
• Microwave – Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup:

Can I use different beans in this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can substitute other beans like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

How do I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, replace meat with extra vegetables or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

What type of pasta works best in Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Ditalini is traditional, but you can use small shells or elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.

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

The total prep and cook time is around 40 minutes, making it a quick meal option any day of the week.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also versatile for customization. You can adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available. Try adding more vegetables or different spices to create your perfect bowl of comfort!