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

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and quick cooking time, you can have this flavorful soup ready in under an hour.
• Customizable: Tailor the soup to your tastes by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or try a vegetarian version.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from beans and beef, along with vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or cozy night in, this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup fits any gathering perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. The right equipment will help you create the best Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A must-have for simmering your soup evenly without spilling over.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for consistent flavor every time.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

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

For the Sauces and Broth

• 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 Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat until warm.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften.

Step 4: Incorporate Garlic

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

Step 5: Season It Up

Mix in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.

Step 6: Add Sauces and Broth

Pour in diced tomatoes along with tomato sauce and broth. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 7: Include Beans

Add drained kidney beans into the mix; continue boiling for about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Stir in Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta. Cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Adjust consistency with water if needed.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Once cooked to your liking, serve hot alongside crusty bread or salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all the rich flavors.

Topped with Grated Cheese

• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or an Italian cheese blend adds a creamy finish and extra flavor to each bowl.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness perfectly.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top enhances the taste and adds a gourmet touch to your serving.

Served in a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an edible serving option that’s sure to impress.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds freshness and color to your dish.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup involves paying attention to flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make your soup truly shine.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for the best flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, consider cooking ditalini pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread
   Toasted garlic bread is an ideal choice that adds flavor and crunch alongside the soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad brings a creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, balancing the soup’s heartiness.

3. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese add an elegant touch to your meal.

5. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted seasonal veggies provides color, nutrition, and deliciousness as a side dish.

6. Pasta Salad
   A cold pasta salad tossed with Italian dressing can provide contrast in temperature while still matching flavors.

7. Bruschetta
   Topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, bruschetta makes for a vibrant appetizer alongside the warm soup.

8. Focaccia Bread
   Soft focaccia bread infused with herbs is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make common errors that can affect the overall taste. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and quality beef. This will enhance the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Neglecting to Season: Many forget to season their soup properly. Don’t skip the herbs and spices; they bring out the best in your ingredients.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Ditalini pasta should be cooked al dente. Overcooking it can lead to mushy pasta that ruins the texture of your soup.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the beef before adding other ingredients can result in a less flavorful base for your soup. Take the time to brown it well for depth of flavor.
• Not Adjusting Consistency: Make sure to adjust the soup’s thickness by adding water or broth as needed. A good soup should have a balanced consistency.
• Ignoring Customization Options: Feel free to add extra veggies or substitute beans! This makes your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup unique and suited to your taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• 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 in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; reheat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl; heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until simmering, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that offers a lighter option while still being flavorful.

What kind of beans can I use in this soup?

You can use kidney beans, Great Northern beans, or even black beans for a different flavor profile.

Is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better after flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prepping.

How can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers or substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and filling but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or beans, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious bowl that warms both the heart and soul!