Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli

Olive Garden’s famous Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a delightful and hearty soup perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy Fall evening or a cool Spring day, this soup brings warmth and comfort. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this copycat version is easy to make at home, ensuring you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe is simple and can be made in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a wholesome choice that fits well into any healthy eating plan.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or with crusty bread for dipping; it’s a great dish for family dinners or gatherings.
• Affordable Ingredients: Most ingredients are budget-friendly and can be found in your pantry or local grocery store.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and hearty components creates a rich flavor that satisfies your taste buds.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Cooking spray
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly without burning, providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables, making prep work efficient.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for slicing and dicing.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or large ringed pasta
• 8 oz of sweet Italian turkey sausage
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes

For Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Added Protein:

• 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can of Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed

Optional Topping:

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

• Spray a large Dutch oven with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat.
• Add sweet Italian turkey sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes.
• Drain excess fat from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Stir in minced garlic, diced onion, peeled carrots, and diced celery.
• Cook while stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes

• Whisk in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat to simmer covered until vegetables are tender (about 10–15 minutes).

Step 4: Incorporate Pasta and Beans

• Add uncooked pasta along with the drained beans to the pot.
• Cook until everything is heated through.

Serving Size

The serving size is approximately 1 cup. This recipe yields around 9 servings!

How to Serve Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli

Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with additional toppings, there are plenty of options to make it even more delightful.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Croutons: Add crunchy croutons for texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Pairing with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.

Serving with Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad balances the heartiness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: Enjoy a classic Caesar salad for a creamy contrast.

How to Perfect Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli

Creating the perfect Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli requires attention to detail and some cooking tips. These simple suggestions can elevate your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Adjust spices according to your taste preference; don’t hesitate to add more herbs!
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
• Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when added to the soup.
• Simmer slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth or add more beans.

Best Side Dishes for Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli

Enhancing your meal with complementary side dishes can make your dining experience more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider alongside your Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add texture and nutrition to your meal.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli is nutritious and easy to prepare.
4. Garlic Knots: Soft garlic knots offer a deliciously chewy texture perfect for dipping.
5. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad adds protein and complements the flavors.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or beans can be a hearty addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is delightful, but there are some common pitfalls you should steer clear of.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can lead to mushy textures. Aim for tender yet crisp veggies by following timing guidelines closely.
• Not Seasoning Adequately: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Always taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance flavors.
• Using the Wrong Pasta: Not all pasta holds up well in soup. Sticking with ditalini or other small pasta varieties ensures the best texture and flavor balance.
• Skipping the Broth: A good quality broth makes a difference. Using low-sodium chicken broth enhances flavor without excessive salt.
• Failing to Drain Beans Properly: Not rinsing canned beans can add unwanted sodium. Always drain and rinse beans to keep your dish healthy.
• Ignoring Serving Sizes: It’s easy to lose track of portion sizes. Measure servings to keep your meal in line with Weight Watchers guidelines.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli.

How do I make Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the turkey sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use other types of beans in Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different beans such as black beans or cannellini beans based on your preference.

How long does it take to prepare Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?

The total time from preparation to cooking is approximately 35 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights.

What toppings can I add to my Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?

While parmesan cheese is optional, fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance flavor and presentation.

Can I adjust the serving size for Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?

Yes! You can easily scale the recipe up or down based on how many servings you need while adjusting ingredients accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and simple ingredients make it versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!