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 soup is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or any occasion where you want a warm, satisfying meal. Its rich blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta makes it not only delicious but also a nutritious option that you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up in no time.
• Rich Flavor: Packed with herbs and spices, each bowl is a delightful experience for your taste buds.
• Versatile: Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner option, it suits various occasions and preferences.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with beans and vegetables, it’s a nourishing choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Allows ample space for simmering all ingredients together without overflow.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making prep work efficient and safe.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

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

Seasonings

• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce and Beans

• 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: Prepare the Base

Warm olive oil in a generously sized soup pot over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef and sauté until thoroughly browned, fragmenting the meat while cooking.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Seasonings

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

Step 4: Combine Sauces

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 5: Stir in Beans

Fold in drained beans while maintaining a vigorous boil.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

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

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an enhanced flavor profile.

Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Fresh Baguette: Slice a freshly baked baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm, buttery garlic breadsticks to complement the savory taste.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings a crunchy contrast to the soup’s texture.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together greens with a light vinaigrette for freshness.

Top with Extra Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add color and flavor.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese for those who enjoy extra richness.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail and adjusting flavors to your liking. Here are some tips to consider for an even better soup experience:

• Bold seasoning: Start with less salt and add gradually as you taste. This allows you to control the flavor intensity.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Cook pasta al dente: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it just until tender; it will continue cooking in the soup.
• Adjust broth consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Personalize with spices: Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference; more can elevate the dish!
• Let it simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer than 30 minutes for deeper flavors, but be careful not to overcook the pasta.

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 great options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: These soft, buttery sticks are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a refreshing balance alongside the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs adds a crunchy texture that complements the soup well.
4. Romaine Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed lightly provides a refreshing contrast.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft biscuits filled with cheese bring warmth and satisfaction to every meal.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables make for a hearty side that pairs beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, even small missteps can affect the final outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using too much broth: Adding excessive broth can dilute flavors. Stick to the recommended amounts for a robust taste.
• Not sautéing enough: Skipping the sauté step for vegetables can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to soften them properly before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the ditalini pasta for too long, it will become mushy. Aim for al dente for a perfect texture.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Always taste and adjust your seasonings as needed while cooking. Each batch may require different levels of salt and pepper.
• Neglecting the garnishes: Garnishes like parsley and Parmesan add flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip these finishing touches!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a hearty Italian bean soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and ditalini pasta simmered in flavorful broth.

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

You can add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it entirely and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does it take to prepare Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

This recipe typically takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick option for lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

The Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile and easy to customize according to your tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at gatherings, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different beans or veggies to make it uniquely yours!