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 soul-warming soup is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy a delightful balance of savory beans, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The rich combination of beef broth, vegetables, and spices creates a cozy bowl of goodness.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or beans to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a casual lunch, dinner parties, or meal prep for busy weeks ahead.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for delicious meals on demand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline your cooking experience and ensure success with this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Necessary for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing room for stirring and simmering.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

To make this hearty Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Meat and 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 and 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 and 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

Optional Garnishes

• 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 Olive Oil

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

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Introduce ground beef to the pot and sauté until thoroughly browned. Fragment the meat while cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Incorporate diced onion, celery, and carrots into the pot. Allow them to soften for approximately 5 minutes. Then introduce crushed garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

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

Step 5: Combine with Tomatoes and Broth

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

Step 6: Add Beans

Fold in drained beans while maintaining a vigorous boil.

Step 7: Incorporate Pasta

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

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

Monitor soup consistency throughout cooking. Supplement with up to 1 cup of water if the mixture becomes too dense.

Step 9: Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious homemade Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

This hearty soup is perfect for serving in warm bowls, making it a delightful option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances the overall experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Bread Loaf: Serve slices of crusty bread for dipping. The texture complements the soup beautifully.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Enjoy classic garlic breadsticks as a flavorful side, adding a hint of garlic to your meal.

With Salad

• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm soup, balancing flavors with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.
• Garden Salad: Light and refreshing, a garden salad filled with mixed greens and veggies pairs well with Pasta Fagioli.

With Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle over their soup, enhancing flavor.
• Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy mozzarella sticks are a fun addition that kids and adults alike will enjoy alongside the soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

To ensure your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, focus on these essential tips.

• Use Quality Broth: Start with high-quality beef or chicken broth for richer flavor in your soup.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Take your time sautéing onions, celery, and carrots until soft; this builds a solid flavor base.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your palate.
• Cook Pasta Separately (Optional): If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; flavors will meld beautifully during this time.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that offers rich flavor and texture; perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil on toasted bread, bruschetta adds a refreshing bite.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can be a hearty side dish that complements the flavors of the soup.
4. Antipasto Platter: A variety of cheeses, olives, and cured meats create an Italian-inspired spread that’s fun to share.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze makes a light yet flavorful addition.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and provide nutritious balance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to miss a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not sautéing the vegetables and meat properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Take time to brown the meat and soften the veggies for a richer taste.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or canned items can lower the cooking temperature and extend cooking time. Always use room temperature or warm ingredients for better results.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Ditalini pasta can become mushy if overcooked in the soup. Add it towards the end of cooking and monitor closely to achieve an al dente texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient adds its own flavor; be sure to taste and adjust seasoning as you go along. This will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Ignoring Consistency: If your soup becomes too thick, it may not be enjoyable. Add water or broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• • Duration: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating 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: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.

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

The soup lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in airtight containers.

Can I freeze Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags.

What can I substitute for ditalini pasta?

For a variation, you can use small shells or elbow macaroni as alternatives to ditalini pasta in this recipe.

Is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup healthy?

This soup is packed with protein from beans and meat, along with vegetables, making it a hearty and nutritious meal option.

Final Thoughts

The Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that transports you straight to Italy with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s versatile—feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or beans! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!