Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a warm and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting bowl on a chilly day, this recipe delivers. Its rich flavors from ground beef, beans, and vibrant vegetables make it irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking, making it a go-to recipe for families and gatherings alike.

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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
• For the Sauces and Broth
• For the Beans and Pasta
• For Garnish
• How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Heat the Pot
• Step 2: Brown the Meat
• Step 3: Add Vegetables
• Step 4: Season the Mixture
• Step 5: Incorporate Sauces
• Step 6: Add Beans
• Step 7: Cook the Pasta
• Step 8: Adjust Consistency
• Step 9: Serve
• How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Classic Presentation
• Garnish Options
• Accompaniment Suggestions
• Pairing Beverages
• 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
• What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Can I make this soup vegetarian?
• How can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• How do I store leftover soup?
• What is the best way to serve this soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, ensuring it keeps you full and satisfied.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this dish can be whipped up in less than an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables or beans to personalize this soup.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for leftovers or future meals.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors, and it’s an excellent way to sneak in healthy veggies.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A sturdy pot is crucial for even cooking of all ingredients while allowing enough space for simmering.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring all flavors meld together nicely.

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

For the Sauces and Broth

• 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
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Beans and Pasta

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Pot

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

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef (or beef and sausage mix) and cook until browned. Break it apart as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then add crushed garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

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

Step 5: Incorporate Sauces

Add the diced tomatoes along with tomato sauce and broth. Stir well to combine everything before bringing it to a boil. Taste your mixture at this point and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Add Beans

Once boiling, add the drained kidney beans as well as Great Northern beans. Keep boiling gently.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

After boiling for a moment longer, stir in the ditalini pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente according to package directions (usually about 8–10 minutes).

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If the 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

Serve hot! Garnish with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup in an appealing way can enhance the dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions to enjoy this hearty soup.

Classic Presentation

• Bowl and Spoon: Serve the soup in a warm bowl with a sturdy spoon for a traditional feel.

Garnish Options

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add as they like.

Accompaniment Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with slices of crusty Italian bread for dipping.
• Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup.

Pairing Beverages

• Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with this Italian-inspired dish.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water to cleanse the palate.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

To ensure your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is as delicious as possible, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Start with fresh vegetables and quality meat for the best flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent mushy pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving.
• Let It Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors; just remember to stir occasionally.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly on low heat to maintain texture and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Enhancing your meal with side dishes can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some great pairings that complement Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic side that’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light and tasty contrast.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make a delightful appetizer.
5. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of meats, cheeses, and olives offers variety alongside your soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add healthy flavor to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sautéing: Not sautéing the vegetables before adding liquids can result in a less flavorful soup. Always cook your onions, celery, and carrots first to enhance their flavor.
• Overcooking the Pasta: If you add pasta too early, it may become mushy. Make sure to add the ditalini pasta towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can lead to bland soup. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth can slow down cooking time. Use room temperature or warm broth for quicker results.
• Neglecting Bean Variations: Using only one type of bean might limit texture and flavor. Feel free to mix different beans for added interest in your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for 3–4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Transfer soup to a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding water if necessary to adjust consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-American soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and ditalini pasta in a flavorful broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

How can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach. You can also adjust spices according to your preference for heat or flavor.

How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftover Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to serve this soup?

Serve the soup hot with optional garnishes like fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various beans or vegetables based on your taste. This recipe is perfect for any day when you’re craving something hearty and delicious—be sure to give it a try!