Hearty and comforting, the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe brings the warmth of Italian tradition right to your table. This delicious soup is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or even simple weeknight meals. Its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients ensure that every spoonful is a delightful experience you’ll want to savor time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich in Flavor: With a blend of spices and herbs, every bowl bursts with authentic Italian taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand! Substitute vegetables or beans based on your preferences.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables, this soup satisfies hunger while being nutritious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe a breeze, gather your kitchen tools beforehand. This will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Provides ample space for cooking ingredients evenly without splatter.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavor.
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Ingredients

For the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe:

Protein Base

• 1 pound ground beef or 0.5 pound ground beef + 0.5 pound Italian sausage

Broth & Liquid

• 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)

Aromatics & Seasonings

• 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)

Canned Goods

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 ounces / 227 grams each) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained (light or dark)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained

Pasta

• 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.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Introduce ground beef and sauté until thoroughly browned, fragmenting the meat while cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Incorporate diced onion, celery, and carrots. Allow them to soften for approximately 5 minutes. Introduce crushed garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Blend ingredients thoroughly and elevate to a rolling boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add Beans

Fold in drained beans and maintain a vigorous boil.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

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

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

Monitor soup consistency. Supplement with up to 1 cup of water if mixture becomes overly dense.

Step 9: Serve Hot

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

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is an experience in itself. This hearty soup can be paired with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and create a satisfying meal.

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These soft and buttery sticks complement the soup and are a favorite side for any Italian meal.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, adding freshness to your meal.
• Cheese Toast: Toasted bread topped with melted cheese adds a delightful crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with the soup.
• Stuffed Peppers: These can serve as a hearty side, filled with rice, beans, or vegetables, offering additional textures to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables provides a nutritious contrast and adds more flavors to the table.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

To elevate your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup experience, consider these tips for perfection.

• Bold Flavoring: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh basil or parsley can add brightness compared to dried herbs.
• Texture Variations: Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or water if needed. This allows you to customize the consistency to your liking.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook ditalini pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers. This prevents it from absorbing too much broth and getting mushy.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning gradually rather than all at once to achieve the ideal flavor balance.
• Garnish Wisely: Use fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese right before serving for an appealing presentation and added flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare this soup a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Complement your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup with delightful side dishes that round out your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing starter.
2. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses offers variety and bites of flavor before the main dish.
3. Risotto Balls: Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these are great finger foods that pair well with soup.
4. Polenta Fries: Crunchy polenta fries provide delicious texture contrast while being easy to prepare and serve alongside your soup.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy and cheesy, this dip served with tortilla chips is a great appetizer that complements Italian flavors well.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb option that still feels hearty next to your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe truly shine, steer clear of these common mistakes.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef well can lead to a bland soup. Take your time to sauté until it’s nicely browned for deeper flavor.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can ruin your dish. Always taste before serving and tweak salt and pepper as needed.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking ditalini pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente by adding it towards the end of cooking and monitoring closely.
• Using canned ingredients without rinsing: Canned beans and tomatoes can contain excess sodium. Rinse them under cold water before adding to reduce saltiness.
• Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth impacts overall flavor. Opt for a good-quality beef or chicken broth for the best results.
• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately may not give flavors enough time to meld. Let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking for enhanced taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will still provide a hearty texture and flavor.

What type of beans should I use for Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can use kidney beans or cannellini beans as they add protein and texture. Feel free to mix both!

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or even swap out the ditalini pasta for another small pasta shape if desired.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or omit it entirely and use vegetable broth as your base.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s versatile enough to adapt with various ingredients based on your preferences. Enjoy customizing this dish with different vegetables or garnishes, making it your own! Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; you’ll find yourself craving it again soon!

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Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm up your evenings with this comforting Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, a delightful blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this hearty Italian-inspired soup features ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and protein-packed beans. With its robust taste, every spoonful promises to be satisfying and nourishing. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1–2 cups carrots (sliced or diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 3 cans tomato sauce
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can Great Northern beans (drained)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• Olive oil
• Dried basil
• Italian seasoning
• Brown sugar
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef and sauté until browned.
3. Stir in the diced onion, celery, and carrots; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Mix in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth; bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Fold in drained beans; return to a vigorous boil.
8. Stir in ditalini pasta; simmer for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
9. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried where possible. To prevent mushy pasta when storing leftovers, cook pasta separately if planning to reheat later. Feel free to swap vegetables based on personal preferences or seasonal availability.