Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for cold days or family gatherings, this hearty soup is filled with ground beef, beans, and pasta, making it a satisfying meal. Its rich flavor profile and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for a cozy lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can enjoy it any day of the week!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Meat & Broth
• Vegetables
• Seasonings & Sauces
• Beans & Pasta
• For Garnish
• How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Brown the Meat
• Step 3: Add Vegetables
• Step 4: Stir in Seasonings
• Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Broth
• Step 6: Add Beans
• Step 7: Cook the Pasta
• Step 8: Adjust Consistency
• Step 9: Serve
• How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• With Crusty Bread
• Salad Pairings
• Toppings for Extra Flavor
• How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• How do I make this soup vegetarian?
• What should I serve with this soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup simmering on your stove in no time.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, this soup will keep you satisfied for hours.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of Italian seasonings and fresh vegetables creates a warm, inviting flavor that reminds you of your favorite restaurant.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or use different types of beans based on what you have available.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or reheating.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Here are the key items you’ll need to prepare this delicious soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and ample space for all your ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: This tool helps prevent scratching your pot while ensuring thorough mixing.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

This hearty and comforting Pasta e Fagioli soup is inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved classic. Loaded with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, it’s a simple, satisfying Italian-style soup that’s perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Meat & Broth

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or ½ lb ground beef + ½ lb Italian sausage
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth (or 1 tsp bouillon per cup of water)

Vegetables

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 1–2 cups carrots, sliced or diced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

Seasonings & Sauces

• 1½ teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce

Beans & Pasta

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained (light or dark)
• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

For Garnish

• Parsley, dried or fresh (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

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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 Meat

Add the ground beef (or mix of beef and sausage) and cook until browned. Break it apart as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then add crushed garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Stir in Seasonings

Stir in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Broth

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine everything. Bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add Beans

Once boiling, add the drained beans into the pot. Continue boiling for a few minutes.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually about 8–10 minutes).

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If the soup thickens too much during cooking, feel free to add up to 1 cup of additional water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot in bowls garnished with parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is an opportunity to enhance your meal experience. This hearty soup can be paired with various options to elevate its flavors and make it a complete meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the soup perfectly.
• Sourdough Boule: A tangy bread that adds a delightful texture when dipped into the soup.

Salad Pairings

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a refreshing contrast.
• Garden Salad: Fresh greens with assorted vegetables lighten the meal while adding nutrients.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated cheese enhances the savory notes of the soup.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped basil or parsley can brighten up each bowl with fresh taste.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Creating the perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Meat: Opt for fresh ground beef or sausage for rich flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Include extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
• Cook Pasta Separately: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the soup and allows for better control over texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to add more herbs or spices based on your preference.
• Make Ahead of Time: The flavors meld beautifully when made a day in advance—just reheat before serving.

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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 that pair wonderfully with this comforting soup.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil brings freshness to the table.
2. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction make a beautiful appetizer.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs offer a delicious bite-sized treat.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables provides variety and flavor.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized serve as a healthy side option.
6. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette can be a refreshing counterpoint to the warm soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go.
• Overcooking pasta: Adding the pasta too early or cooking it for too long can turn it mushy. Follow package directions for al dente pasta.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth will affect the overall flavor of your soup. Choose a good brand or make homemade broth for the best taste.
• Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing the cooking process means you miss out on deeper flavors. Let the soup simmer for a bit longer if you have time.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer; label with date for reference.

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: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add water if it’s too thick.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-American soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables, use different types of beans, or adjust spices based on your preferences.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, simply omit meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

What should I serve with this soup?

This comforting soup pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or even garlic bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, its hearty ingredients will satisfy your cravings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own!