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 brings together a robust blend of ground beef, beans, and pasta, all simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep during busy weeks. 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 and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of beef, beans, and vegetables creates a rich and hearty flavor profile that satisfies.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a personal touch.
• Nutrient-Packed: With beans and vegetables, this soup is loaded with protein and fiber, making it filling and nutritious.
• Versatile Meal: Serve as a main dish or pair with salads and bread for a complete meal experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking your soup evenly and allowing it to simmer properly.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you prepare the recipe.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 1–2 cups carrots, sliced or diced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

For the Sauces

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

For the Beans and Pasta

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in onions, celery, and carrots; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add Garlic

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

Step 5: Mix in Seasonings

Mix in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes; stir well.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Broth

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

Step 7: Add Beans

Add kidney beans; continue boiling for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

Adjust consistency with water if needed; serve hot.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can elevate your meal. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and provide a complete dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked or toasted bread makes an excellent side, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.

Add a Side Salad

• A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup well and adds freshness.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling fresh parsley or basil on top before serving brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.

Serve with Grated Cheese

• Offering grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano allows guests to customize their soup according to their taste preferences.

Enjoy with Garlic Breadsticks

• Soft, buttery garlic breadsticks are a delicious choice that pairs perfectly with the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Creating the best Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is as tasty as possible.

• Use high-quality broth: A rich beef or chicken broth enhances the overall flavor of the soup significantly.

• Sauté vegetables properly: Cooking onions, celery, and carrots until they are soft releases their natural sweetness, adding depth to your dish.

• Don’t skip the seasoning: Adding dried basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes brings authentic Italian flavor to your soup.

• Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the pasta retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when simmered in the soup.

• Customize ingredients: Feel free to add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

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

1. Garlic Breadsticks
   A warm addition that is perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons adds crunch and richness.

3. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide color and nutrients alongside your hearty soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers filled with grains or beans make a filling and nutritious side that pairs beautifully.

6. Herbed Rice
   Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs complements the flavors of the soup without overpowering it.

7. Quinoa Salad
   A protein-packed option that can be flavored with lemon and herbs for an added zing.

8. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese serves as a comforting base that goes well with the soup’s robust flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your soup.

• Overcooking the pasta – If you leave the ditalini pasta in the soup for too long, it can become mushy. Cook it until al dente, and if needed, add it just before serving.
• Skipping aromatics – Neglecting to sauté onions, garlic, and other vegetables can lead to a flat flavor. Always take the time to cook these ingredients until they’re fragrant.
• Not adjusting seasoning – Each broth has its own salt content. Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt or pepper as needed to ensure a well-rounded flavor.
• Ignoring vegetable variety – Sticking to just beans and meat limits the nutritional value and flavor. Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added depth.
• Using low-quality canned tomatoes – The type of tomatoes you use can greatly affect the taste. Opt for high-quality diced tomatoes to enhance your soup’s overall flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup in airtight containers.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; bake until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowls. Cover loosely and heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To prepare a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

What type of beans are best for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Both kidney beans and cannellini beans work wonderfully in this recipe. They add protein, fiber, and texture.

How do I customize Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can easily customize this soup by adding extra veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences as well.

Can I use different types of pasta besides ditalini?

Yes! While ditalini is traditional, other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells will also work well in this hearty soup.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Its blend of flavors makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or protein options—this recipe is meant to be enjoyed in many ways!