Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a comforting and delicious bean and pasta soup that brings the warmth and flavors of Italian cuisine right into your home. This easy, one-pot dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or gatherings with friends. With its rich taste and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 28 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans, pasta, and vegetables, it’s a meal that satisfies hunger.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of broth.
• Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are affordable and pantry staples, making it easy on your wallet.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A good-sized pot allows for even cooking of all ingredients while providing enough space for stirring without spills.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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Ingredients

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Proteins

• 2 mild sausages (casings removed)

Canned Goods

• 15 oz diced tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 can red kidney beans
• 1/2 can white beans

Grains

• 1/3 cup Ditalini pasta

Seasonings

• 4 cups broth
• 2 TBSP ketchup
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by dicing the onion and julienning the carrot. Mince the garlic as well.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot over medium heat, add the mild sausages. Cook until they are browned on all sides. Use a spoon to break them into smaller pieces as they cook.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, julienned carrot, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, broth, red kidney beans, white beans, dried basil, celery seed, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the Ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 6: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread or salad on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a comforting and filling dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Pairing this soup with freshly baked crusty bread makes for a perfect combination. The bread is great for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the soup before serving. This adds color and enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

In a Bread Bowl

• Serve your Pasta Fagioli in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and unique presentation. It’s also an excellent way to enjoy every last bit of the soup!

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light side salad complements the richness of the soup. Opt for mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette for balance.

With Grated Cheese

• Add grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese on top of each bowl just before serving. The cheese melts slightly into the warm soup, adding creaminess and depth.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the overall taste of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go, and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a personalized flavor.
• Cook pasta separately: For an ideal texture, consider cooking Ditalini pasta separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta!
• Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and let it sit overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

A well-rounded meal is essential, especially when serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli. Here are some excellent side dishes to complement your hearty soup:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a light contrast.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil provides an additional burst of flavor.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add health and color to your meal.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs are perfect as finger food alongside your soup.
6. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing for added crunch.
7. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses creates an inviting appetizer spread.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for an enjoyable side that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to keep in mind.

• Bold Ingredient Choices: Using the wrong type of beans can alter the texture and flavor. Stick to red kidney beans and white beans for the best results.
• Bold Overcooking Pasta: Cooking the Ditalini pasta too long will make it mushy. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a perfect bite.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping on spices can result in bland soup. Be sure to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.
• Bold Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Old or stale ingredients will negatively affect taste. Always use fresh vegetables and quality broth for optimal flavor.
• Bold Skipping the Broth: Substituting water for broth will lead to a less flavorful dish. Use a rich chicken or vegetable broth to enhance the soup’s depth.
• Bold Forgetting Texture: Aiming for all ingredients to be uniform can make the soup uninteresting. Ensure a mix of textures by not over-chopping vegetables.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

• Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli.

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with beans, pasta, tomatoes, and a flavorful broth. It’s perfect as a comforting meal.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Yes! Feel free to add different vegetables or use ground turkey instead of sausage for a lighter option.

How do I thicken Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

To thicken your soup, you can either simmer it longer or add more beans. Blending some of the beans can create a creamy texture.

Is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli healthy?

Yes! This recipe is packed with nutrients from beans and vegetables while being low in calories when made with lean meats.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients while keeping its comforting essence. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!