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 delightful dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a quick weeknight meal. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, you’ll find this soup not only warms the soul but also becomes a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: This soup combines ground beef and beans with flavorful herbs, creating a deliciously hearty dish.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans to suit your taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for later use—it’s great for meal prep!
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, making dinner time easier.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without splattering.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot.
• Cutting board & chef’s knife: Helps in easily chopping vegetables while keeping your workspace organized.

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)

For Vegetables and Flavoring

• 1-2 cups carrots (sliced or diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil

For the Sauces & Beans

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

For the Final Touch

• 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

For Serving

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 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: Brown the Meat

Introduce ground beef and sauté until thoroughly browned, fragmenting the meat while cooking.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Incorporate diced onion, celery, and carrots; allow them to soften for approximately 5 minutes. 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, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Sauces and Broth

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 6: Add Beans

Fold in drained beans and maintain a vigorous boil.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

Monitor soup consistency; supplement with up to 1 cup of water if mixture becomes overly dense.

Step 9: Serve Hot

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

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

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

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread – A warm loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery garlic breadsticks add a wonderful flavor contrast to the soup.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup.
• Greek Salad – A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives adds a fresh and tangy flavor that complements the soup well.

Enjoy with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor and creaminess.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melted mozzarella can be added for a gooey, comforting finish.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

To make sure your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Incorporate fresh vegetables for better flavor and texture in your soup.
• Brown the Meat Well – Taking extra time to brown the meat enhances the overall taste of your soup by developing deeper flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper gradually to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
• Simmer Slowly – Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Cook Pasta Separately – For optimal texture, consider cooking ditalini pasta separately and adding it just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

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

1. Garlic Bread – Simple yet flavorful, warm garlic bread pairs perfectly with the Italian-inspired soup.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella create a light side that complements the hearty main dish.
3. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomato mixture adds a crunchy element that contrasts well with the soup’s texture.
4. Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, peppers, and cheeses offers variety and enhances the Italian theme of your meal.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide nutrition and flavor that balances out the richness of the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with rice or quinoa for a hearty option that pairs well with pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their soup adequately. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper for a balanced flavor.
• Overcooking the vegetables: If you cook your vegetables for too long, they can become mushy. Aim for a tender yet crisp texture by cooking them just until softened.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component of this soup. Use high-quality beef or chicken broth for the best flavor, or make your own at home.
• Neglecting to add pasta at the right time: Adding pasta too early can lead to it becoming overcooked. Stir it in during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking for perfect al dente results.
• Not adjusting consistency: If your soup becomes too thick, remember you can always add water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Forgetting garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese elevates the dish. 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 down completely before sealing.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Freeze in portions for easier use; best consumed within 2-3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely. Start with 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

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

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.

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

The total time is approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.

Can I customize Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or swap out different beans according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Its hearty ingredients make it perfect for any occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate—try this delightful recipe today!