Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Pasta fagioli soup Olive Garden style is a heartwarming dish filled with tender pasta, flavorful beans, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for cozy nights, this Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe will warm your soul and is suitable for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and beans creates a rich and hearty flavor profile.
- Versatile Options: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences, like using different beans or adding spinach for extra nutrition.
- Comforting Meal: This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a nutritious option that keeps you feeling full without the guilt.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy olive garden pasta fagioli soup recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools that will simplify the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring precision and safety in your prep work.

Ingredients
To create this delicious pasta fagioli soup Olive Garden style, gather the following ingredients:
For the Soup Base
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Canned kidney beans
- Vegetable broth
For the Pasta
- Ditalini pasta
For Seasoning
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent.
Step 2: Add Carrots and Celery
Add diced carrots and celery; stir occasionally until softened.
Step 3: Incorporate Garlic
Mix in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Base Ingredients
Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth; stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmer with Beans
Add kidney beans, basil, and oregano; let simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
How to Serve Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Serving Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – Serve warm, sliced baguette for dipping into the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and complements the soup perfectly.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil – Sprinkle fresh basil on top for an aromatic finish and vibrant color.
- Parsley Garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing balances the heartiness of the soup.
- Mixed Green Salad – Light greens with vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
How to Perfect Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
To make your Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flavors – Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried ones for a more robust flavor.
- Texture Variety – Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition and a delightful texture contrast.
- Separate Cooking – Cook pasta separately before adding to the soup to avoid mushiness.
- Bean Choices – Experiment with different beans like cannellini or black beans for varied taste.
- Simmer Longer – Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavor development and richness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery garlic knots are perfect for soaking up every drop of tasty broth.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring brightness to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushrooms stuffed with herbs and breadcrumbs make for a delicious appetizer.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds flavor and color to your table.
- Cheesy Polenta – Creamy polenta topped with cheese is a comforting side that pairs well with the soup’s texture.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers variety and excitement alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Failing to sauté the onions and vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always take a few minutes to develop those flavors before adding liquids.
- Using overcooked pasta: Overcooking the pasta in the soup can result in mushy noodles. Cook the pasta separately or add it towards the end of simmering.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving may leave it flat. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or fresh herbs as needed.
- Using low-quality canned tomatoes: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on good quality tomatoes. Choose high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for better taste.
- Ignoring optional ingredients: Skipping optional ingredients like Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs can lessen the depth of flavor. Don’t hesitate to enhance your soup with these additions.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing it for optimal freshness.
Freezing Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as the soup freezes.
Reheating Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely, and stir every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead of time! Just store it in the refrigerator or freezer as mentioned above.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
You can use other beans like cannellini or black beans for a different flavor profile while keeping it nutritious.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat products and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, while keeping all other ingredients unchanged.
What side dishes go well with Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various beans, vegetables, and herbs based on your preferences. Give it a try this week; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Warm your soul with this Easy Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, a delightful blend of tender ditalini pasta, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners, this soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrition. With flavorful ingredients and quick preparation, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it based on your preferences—swap in different beans or add leafy greens for an extra boost. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Canned kidney beans
- Vegetable broth
- Ditalini pasta
- Fresh basil
- Oregano
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Add diced carrots and celery; stir until softened.
- Mix in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth; stir to combine.
- Add kidney beans, basil, and oregano; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and cook as per package instructions until al dente.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
