Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool) is a delightful dish that warms your heart and satisfies your cravings. This comforting soup features tender ditalini pasta, hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, all simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe showcases the beauty of Italian cuisine while being easy to prepare. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein from ground beef and beans, making it a satisfying meal on its own.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready in under an hour.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a robust flavor profile that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or as a starter; it’s perfect for any occasion!
• Freezes Well: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth cooking and helps you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch Oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even sizes for better cooking.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, maintaining the integrity of your pots.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef
• 2 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning (divided)
• 1 Onion (Large, diced)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 3 Carrots (diced)
• 3 stalks Celery (diced)
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

Beans and Broth

• 15 ounces Cannelini Beans
• 15 ounces Kidney Beans
• 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes
• 4 cups Chicken Broth

Final Touches

• 1/4 teaspoon Salt and Pepper
• 1 pound Ditalini Pasta (cooked)

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large Dutch oven, season the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of All Purpose Seasoning. Cook over medium-high heat until browned thoroughly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the pot and drain excess fat. Leave about one tablespoon in the pot. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; season with remaining All Purpose Seasoning. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes (with their liquid), both types of beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover the pot and let everything simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. This allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Final Adjustment

Taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve

In individual serving bowls, add one cup of cooked ditalini pasta to each bowl. Ladle the soup over the pasta and enjoy! For an added touch, top with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with thoughtful accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery garlic breadsticks add a savory touch to your soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can give a creamy texture and enhance the overall taste.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch that complements the soup’s heartiness.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors.

With Extra Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Adding chopped parsley or basil provides a burst of freshness and color.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives an extra kick.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

To achieve the perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these essential tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold seasonings: Increase the amount of Italian seasoning for a more robust flavor profile.
• Quality broth: Use homemade chicken broth, if possible, for a richer taste than store-bought varieties.
• Cook pasta separately: Prepare ditalini pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Add veggies last: Stir in fresh vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer deepens the flavors; just be careful not to overcook the beans.
• Taste as you go: Adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for balanced seasoning.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup enhances your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and spices complement the hearty soup well.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomato mix offers a crispy texture alongside the smooth soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your meal.
6. Cheesy Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas provide an easy-to-make side that kids love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool) can be a simple and satisfying experience, but small mistakes can lead to disappointment. Here are common pitfalls to avoid.

• Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust the seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always check the flavor before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta too long can make it mushy. Remember to cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the soup.
• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the vegetables before adding broth can result in a flat flavor. Take time to cook onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for a richer taste.
• Using canned beans improperly: Not rinsing canned beans can add excess sodium and affect texture. Always drain and rinse them before adding to your soup.
• Omitting aromatics: Neglecting ingredients like garlic or bay leaves will diminish depth of flavor. Incorporate these aromatics early for maximum impact.
• Forgetting about leftovers: Leaving leftover soup unrefrigerated can risk spoilage. Store any uneaten portions promptly for best freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until bubbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool) that may help you with your cooking process.

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool) is a hearty Italian bean soup made with pasta, vegetables, and ground beef simmered in a savory broth.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with turkey or lamb based on your preference while still retaining that comforting flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add more beans or lentils for protein.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or spice it up with additional herbs according to your taste preferences.

How do I store leftovers of Pasta Fagioli?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool) is a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various proteins and vegetables. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!