Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a comforting lunch, this soup offers a delightful blend of flavors. With its rich ingredients and Italian-inspired essence, it brings warmth to your table and satisfies every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, beans, and pasta, this soup keeps you full for hours.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s an easy meal option for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavor and fun texture of the pasta in this comforting dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking large quantities; allows proper simmering of ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot; helps keep ingredients well combined.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts, crucial for perfect flavor balance.

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.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or ½ lb ground beef + ½ lb Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 1–2 cups carrots, sliced or diced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

Seasonings

• 1½ teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Liquids

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth (or 1 tsp bouillon per cup of water)
• 1 cup additional water, if needed

Beans and Pasta

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 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

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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 until shimmering.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef (or beef and sausage mix). Cook until browned:
1. Break apart as it cooks using a wooden spoon.
2. Make sure it’s fully cooked before moving on.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced onion, celery, and carrots:
1. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
2. Add crushed garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.

Step 4: Mix in Seasonings

Add the dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes:
1. Stir well to combine all flavors thoroughly.

Step 5: Incorporate Liquids

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth:
1. Stir everything together well.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Taste the mixture; season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 6: Add Beans

Stir in the drained beans:
1. Continue boiling to heat through.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling:
1. Stir in the ditalini pasta.
2. Cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If your soup thickens too much:
1. Add up to 1 cup additional water.
2. Reach your desired consistency before serving.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley:
– Optionally add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can enhance the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side for a flavorful complement.
• Baguette Slices: Crispy baguette slices are perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.

Topped with Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offering freshly grated cheese enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

As a Meal Starter

• Small Bowls: Serve in small bowls as an appetizer before a main course for a cozy meal.
• Accompanied by Salad: Pair with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

To achieve the best version of your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning choices: Adjust spices according to your taste preferences; don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes for heat.
• Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh vegetables when possible for better flavor and texture.
• Customize your meat: Mix ground beef with Italian sausage for added depth and richness in flavor.
• Simmer longer if desired: Allow the soup to simmer longer than suggested for deeper flavors; just ensure pasta is added towards the end.
• Adjust consistency wisely: If the soup thickens too much, gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Store leftovers properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it tastes even better the next day!

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Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a fulfilling meal. Here are some great options that work wonderfully together.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crisp greens and creamy dressing that balances the hearty soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast to the soup’s flavors.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make a delightful bite-sized treat alongside your soup.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses creates an enticing starter that complements Italian flavors.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil brings brightness and crunch to your meal.
6. Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft, cheesy knots are perfect for soaking up every bit of that delicious soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and quality broth. This enhances the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Ditalini pasta should be cooked al dente. If overcooked, it can become mushy in the soup.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Adding salt and pepper at the end can make a big difference. Taste as you go to ensure balanced flavors.
• Skipping the Brown Sugar: This ingredient helps balance acidity from tomatoes. Don’t omit it for a well-rounded taste.
• Not Measuring Ingredients: Use precise measurements for ingredients. This ensures consistency in flavor and texture each time you make the soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months, but remember that pasta may soften upon reheating.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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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 ditalini pasta.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I thicken Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

If your soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. You can also add more beans or pasta to thicken it.

What sides pair well with Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to please everyone at your table!

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