Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Hearty Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with robust flavors and classic ingredients. This delightful soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for busy weekdays. With its rich, savory taste and nutritious components, it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: Packed with beef, beans, and vegetables, this soup is both hearty and delicious.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup with your favorite veggies or pasta types to suit your tastes.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy it later without extra effort.
• Family Favorite: Everyone will love the comforting flavors of this traditional Italian dish!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather the following essential tools. Using the right equipment ensures a smoother cooking process and better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This is essential for cooking large batches of soup evenly without splattering.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, enhancing overall preparation time.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: These are ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For this delicious Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Meat & Broth

• 1 pound ground beef or 0.5 pound ground beef + 0.5 pound Italian sausage
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth (or 1 teaspoon bouillon per cup of water)
• 1 cup additional water (if needed)

Vegetables

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1-2 cups carrots (sliced or diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)

Seasonings & Sauces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 ounces / 227 grams each) tomato sauce

Beans & Pasta

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained (light or dark)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Garnish

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

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Oil

Warm olive oil in a generously sized soup pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Introduce ground beef into the pot. Sauté until thoroughly browned while breaking apart the meat as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Incorporate diced onion, celery, and carrots into the pot. Allow them to soften for about 5 minutes before adding crushed garlic. Cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to distribute these seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix all ingredients thoroughly before bringing them to a rolling boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Include Beans

Fold in drained beans while maintaining a vigorous boil.

Step 7: Stir in Pasta

Once boiling consistently, gently stir in ditalini pasta. Simmer for approximately 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

Monitor the consistency of your soup. If it becomes too dense, supplement with up to 1 cup of water as necessary.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired for enhanced flavor profile.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the savory broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your soup with fresh parsley or basil to add a burst of color and flavor that complements the rich ingredients.

Alongside a Salad

• Serving a light salad on the side, such as a mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette, can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

With Grated Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top of their soup, adding a delicious salty note.

As a Main Course

• This soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course. Consider pairing it with side dishes to create a filling meal.

In Individual Bowls

• For a more formal presentation, serve the soup in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs and cheese for each guest.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dish:

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and quality ground beef will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference during cooking.
• Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld all the flavors together for a richer taste.
• Monitor Pasta Texture: Be mindful not to overcook the ditalini pasta. Add it towards the end of cooking for perfect al dente texture.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead: This soup 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 Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that complements any Italian dish. Use store-bought or make your own by spreading butter and garlic on toasted baguette slices.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch alongside warm soup.
3. Caprese Salad
   Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a refreshing contrast.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of the soup.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a hearty side that pairs well with this Italian classic.
6. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese can be an indulgent side that complements the flavors of your soup beautifully.
7. Simple Green Beans
   Lightly steamed green beans seasoned with olive oil offer a healthy side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.
8. Baked Zucchini Fries
   Crispy baked zucchini fries are an enjoyable finger food that adds fun texture alongside your bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, there are a few common missteps that can affect the outcome of your dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables and meat first adds depth of flavor. Always start by browning the beef and softening the veggies before adding liquids.
• Overcooking the pasta: Ditalini pasta can become mushy if overcooked in the soup. Aim for al dente, cooking it just until tender before serving.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each broth can vary in saltiness. Taste your soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavors.
• Using canned ingredients improperly: Rinsing canned beans helps reduce sodium content. Always drain and rinse beans before adding them to your soup.
• Ignoring consistency checks: The soup may thicken as it cools. Keep an eye on its consistency while cooking, adding water if it becomes too dense.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it altogether, and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

How long does Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any beans you prefer or have on hand, such as black beans or chickpeas, while maintaining similar quantities.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

For optimal freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container once cooled and refrigerate or freeze as needed.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Definitely! You can add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini or even incorporate different herbs for unique flavors tailored to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe offers a comforting blend of hearty ingredients and rich flavors that are sure to satisfy any palate. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty bowl of Italian-inspired soup at home. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—it might just become your new favorite!