Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, a delightful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup features a robust blend of ground beef, beans, and pasta, all simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables and spices. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for busy weeks ahead. Enjoy this nourishing bowl of goodness with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that warms both the heart and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily tweak the recipe by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to suit your taste.
• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying main course.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store portions in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love this tasty soup, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients properly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accuracy when adding liquids or solids for the best flavor balance.

Ingredients

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

For the Tomato Mixture

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth

For the Beans and Pasta

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

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 ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Stir in diced onions, sliced celery, and carrots; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Add crushed garlic to the pot; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Season

Mix in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to enhance flavor.

Step 6: Combine Tomatoes

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth; bring everything to a boil.

Step 7: Include Beans

Add drained kidney beans; continue boiling to meld flavors together.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta. Cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

If needed, adjust consistency with water. Serve hot and enjoy!

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and providing a satisfying experience. This soup can be enjoyed in various ways that complement its hearty ingredients.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Consider a sourdough or Italian loaf for added flavor.

Fresh Salad

• Pair your soup with a light salad made of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Cheese Topping

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the soup just before serving for a cheesy finish that melts beautifully.

Garlic Bread

• Serve with toasted garlic bread to add some crunch and aromatic flavor that pairs well with the soup’s richness.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• A classic grilled cheese sandwich makes for a comforting side, perfect for dipping into the warm soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail and adapting it to your tastes. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can brighten the flavor of your soup, adding depth and freshness.
• Customize vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes will deepen the flavors and create a richer broth.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

To create a complete meal around Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider adding one or more of these delightful side dishes. Each option complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.

1. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons adds a nice touch.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese make an excellent appetizer that pairs well with hearty soup.
3. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing side dish.
4. Vegetable Platter
   A colorful platter of fresh veggies served with hummus offers crunch and health benefits alongside the warm soup.
5. Polenta Cakes
   Creamy polenta cakes cooked until crispy can provide a delightful texture contrast when served alongside the soup.
6. Antipasto Platter
   An antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers will enhance your Italian dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing vegetables adds depth to the flavor. Always cook your onions, celery, and carrots before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the pasta: Ditalini pasta can become mushy if overcooked. Follow the package instructions and check for al dente doneness.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a crucial component of your soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality beef or chicken broth for the best taste.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. You may need to adjust seasonings like salt and pepper based on your preferences.
• Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Letting the soup simmer longer enhances its flavor. If time permits, allow it to cook for a few extra minutes after adding all ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Allow it to cool before sealing and storing.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in sturdy freezer containers.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup:

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

What other beans can I use in this soup?

You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

How do I customize Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors improve when made ahead. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its hearty mix of ground beef, beans, and pasta makes it satisfying and nourishing. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!