Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, a delightful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup features a robust blend of ground beef, beans, and pasta, all simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables and spices. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for busy weeks ahead. Enjoy this nourishing bowl of goodness with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that warms both the heart and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Options: Customize your soup by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and veggies, this soup is both filling and healthy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making this soup even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking large quantities evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

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

For the Sauce

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth

For Added Protein

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Stir in onions, celery, and carrots; cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Add crushed garlic; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Mix in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to enhance flavor.

Step 6: Combine Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth; bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Add Beans

Stir in kidney beans; continue boiling for about 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), following package instructions.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

If needed, adjust consistency with water; serve hot with your choice of bread or salad.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and creating a comforting meal. Here are some great ideas to elevate your soup experience.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty loaf of bread pairs perfectly with the soup. Use it to soak up every bit of the savory broth.

Fresh Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the soup beautifully.

Topped with Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of your soup for an added layer of flavor and creaminess.

With Garlic Bread

• Serve slices of garlic bread alongside the soup for a crunchy side that enhances the Italian theme.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil on top before serving adds richness and depth to the flavors.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your bowl with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch that brightens up the dish.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make sure your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is as flavorful as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh onions, celery, and carrots bring out brighter flavors compared to canned or frozen options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. Add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to enhance flavor.
• Cook pasta separately: For a thicker soup consistency, cook ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Add more beans: Increase protein and fiber by adding more beans or different varieties for a heartier texture.
• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

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

1. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing and croutons adds crunch and flavor.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Garlic Knots – Soft bread knots brushed with garlic butter make for a delightful dipping experience.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers enhance nutrition while being tasty.
5. Cheesy Breadsticks – Warm breadsticks loaded with cheese complement the soup’s richness nicely.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices provide a hearty addition to your meal.
7. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil gives a burst of flavor that balances the soup well.
8. Herbed Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base that pairs wonderfully with the flavors in your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly underestimate cooking time: Many people rush the simmering process. Letting your soup simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so give it the full time recommended.
• Boldly ignore seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can lead to bland soup. Always taste your dish before serving to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
• Boldly overlook vegetable prep: Chopping vegetables unevenly can result in inconsistent cooking. Make sure to cut all veggies into similar sizes for even tenderness.
• Boldly skip the broth quality: Using low-quality broth can compromise flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for the best results.
• Boldly disregard pasta timing: Adding pasta too soon can lead to mushy noodles. Cook ditalini pasta separately if you’re unsure about the timing, then stir it in just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What kind of beans should I use in Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can use kidney beans and Great Northern or cannellini beans as indicated in the recipe, but feel free to experiment with other varieties!

How long does Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup take to cook?

The total time is about 45 minutes, including preparation and cooking.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and filling but also incredibly versatile. With options for customization and easy adjustments, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness!