Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. This wholesome soup is perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. Loaded with nutritious ingredients, it combines the goodness of pasta and beans, making it a satisfying meal option. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, ensuring you’ll enjoy every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of tomatoes, beans, and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and legumes, this soup is both wholesome and filling.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or breadsticks.
• Vegan-Friendly: Enjoyed by everyone, this recipe is entirely plant-based without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing the onions and garlic evenly, allowing flavors to develop beautifully.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results every time.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 6 ounces ditalini pasta (- uncooked – 6 ounces by weight and 1 1/2 cups by measurement)
• 1 cup white onion (- diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (- chopped finely)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 15 ounces tomatoes (- diced and canned or fresh tomatoes to measure that amount)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 1 1/2 cups carrots (- chopped small, about 2 carrots)
• 1/2 cup celery (- chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Beans & Final Touches

• 15 ounces cannellini beans (- canned and drained)
• 15 ounces kidney beans (- canned and drained)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Add about 3 tablespoons of water to a large skillet. Sauté the diced onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they become translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

To the skillet, add the vegetable broth along with all tomato ingredients (diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste). Then stir in the chopped carrots, celery, oregano, basil, and cumin.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the uncooked ditalini pasta along with both kinds of drained beans (cannellini and kidney).

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Reduce the heat to medium-high. Allow the soup to simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente—cooked but still firm when bitten.

Step 5: Season

After cooking, stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste your soup; adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with crusty bread or breadsticks on the side for a delightful meal.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup! It’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich flavors of the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness.

Accompanied by Salad

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm soup. Add a light vinaigrette for extra zing.

With Grated Cheese

• While keeping it vegetarian, offer a side of grated parmesan or a dairy-free alternative for those who enjoy cheese with their soup.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to make it more festive and enjoyable.

Paired with Garlic Breadsticks

• Classic garlic breadsticks complement the flavors of the soup while providing an additional carb option.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail and careful cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup even tastier.
• Cook Beans Thoroughly: Ensure beans are heated through to blend seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for optimal flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents mushiness; you want pasta that holds its shape amidst the broth.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for longer enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty dish perfectly.

1. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a refreshing side that pairs beautifully.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs add an earthy touch that complements the flavors of the soup.

4. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal while enhancing its appeal.

6. Spinach Artichoke Dip
   Creamy spinach artichoke dip served with tortilla chips offers a rich appetizer that guests will love alongside their soup.

7. Zucchini Fries
   Crispy baked zucchini fries make for a fun finger food option that pairs well with any Italian dish.

8. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad packed with veggies serves as a healthy complement, adding grains without overpowering your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold Ingredients: Not measuring ingredients correctly can throw off the flavor balance. Always use kitchen scales for precision.
• Bold Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushiness. Aim for al dente to keep the texture right.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting spices will result in bland soup. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Bold Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor broth can dull the flavor. Use a high-quality vegetable broth for best results.
• Bold Ignoring the Beans: Rinsing canned beans is essential to remove excess sodium. Always drain and rinse before adding them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering with a lid. Stir halfway through heating.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup vegan?

You can easily make this soup vegan by ensuring all your ingredients are plant-based, such as using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use different types of beans in my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can mix and match beans based on your preference or what you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans.

What should I serve with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping. A simple side salad also complements it well.

How long does Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this soup lasts about 4 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that offers incredible flavors while being nutritious. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different vegetables or beans based on your preference. Whether served alone or alongside bread, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal!