Homemade Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket with this olive garden pasta fagioli soup that brings Italian tradition right to your kitchen.

Memories of cozy restaurants blend seamlessly with homemade goodness in every spoonful.

Hearty beans and tender pasta create a rich landscape of flavors that dance across your palate.

Robust ingredients tell a story of rustic comfort and culinary simplicity.

Chefs know this recipe carries the magic of authentic Italian cooking without complicated techniques.

Fragrant herbs and savory broth promise a meal that feels like a gentle embrace from someone who understands true nourishment.

Grab your favorite pot and let’s make magic happen.

FAQs About Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Is this soup similar to the Olive Garden version?

Yes, this recipe closely mimics the restaurant’s classic Pasta Fagioli soup, using similar ingredients and cooking techniques to recreate the authentic flavor profile.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional beans, maintaining the same seasoning and vegetable base for a delicious meatless version.

• What type of beans work best for this recipe?

Kidney beans and cannellini beans are traditional choices. Both provide excellent texture and protein, blending perfectly with the soup’s robust flavor profile.

• How spicy is this soup with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild background heat. You can adjust the quantity to make it more or less spicy according to your personal preference.

Why Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Is A Go-To

• Dive into Comfort: A hearty soup that wraps you in warmth, perfect for chasing away chilly days with its rich, robust flavors.
• Master Versatile Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Customize Your Bowl: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping meats, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra veggies to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family Meal Champion: Packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta, this one-pot wonder satisfies hungry family members while providing a nutritious, delicious meal that brings everyone together at the table.

What Goes In Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides a hearty and robust flavor to the soup.
• Sausage: Adds extra depth and spiciness to the soup's overall taste profile.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots: Classic mirepoix blend that creates a foundational aromatic base for the soup.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp and intense flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Dried Basil, Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional Italian herb notes to the soup.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and slight spiciness.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor to the soup.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, smooth tomato base.
• Broth: Creates the liquid foundation for the soup.

• Beans: Provides additional protein and creamy texture to the soup.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small pasta that adds substance and makes the soup more filling.

• Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Offers fresh herb notes and rich, salty cheese flavor.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning and cooking fat that enhance overall flavor.

How To Prepare Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your delicious soup.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef and cook until it transforms into a rich, crumbly texture, breaking it apart as it sizzles.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetable Trio

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery
• Sliced carrots

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Infuse with Aromatic Spices

• Dried basil
• Italian seasoning
• Brown sugar
• Red pepper flakes

Distribute evenly to create a complex flavor profile.

Step 5: Build the Soup Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth

Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Introduce the Beans

Add drained beans and continue boiling, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until it reaches perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If the soup becomes too thick, splash in additional water to reach your ideal soup consistency.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Optionally top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Cooking Tips For Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Swap Meat Options: Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the soup's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Boost Bean Nutrition: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility, ensuring a cleaner taste and better nutrient absorption.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente consistency for each serving.
• Control Soup Thickness: Adjust liquid by adding broth or water gradually, allowing you to create your preferred soup density without compromising rich flavors.
• Store Smart: Cool soup completely before refrigerating, and store pasta separately to prevent soggy noodles when reheating for maximum freshness.

Fun Twists On Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Feast: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap ditalini pasta with gluten-free quinoa or rice pasta, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this classic soup without worry.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer all ingredients except pasta to a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add pasta during the last 30 minutes for an effortless meal preparation method.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and add a splash of lime juice to transform the traditional recipe into a zesty southwestern-style soup.

Perfect Matches For Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a fresh baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown. The crispy texture and rich garlic flavor complement the hearty soup perfectly.
• Enhance with Chianti Wine: Select a medium-bodied Chianti red wine from Tuscany. Its robust flavor and slight acidity cut through the soup's richness, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Serve with Crisp Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. The salad's peppery greens and bright dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory soup.
• Complete with Lemon Sorbet: Finish the meal with a small scoop of tangy lemon sorbet.

Store Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup The Right Way

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth or water if soup seems thick. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature and ensure even heating throughout.

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 22-24 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with robust flavors and classic ingredients. Warm bowls of this rich soup invite comfort and satisfaction, promising a delicious journey through traditional Italian comfort cuisine you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Base:

• 1 pound ground beef or 0.5 pound ground beef + 0.5 pound Italian sausage
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth (or 1 teaspoon bouillon per cup of water)
• 1 cup additional water (if needed)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1–2 cups carrots (sliced or diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 3 cans (8 ounces / 227 grams each) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained (light or dark)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• Parsley (dried or fresh, optional for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Introduce ground beef and sauté until thoroughly browned, fragmenting the meat while cooking.
3. Incorporate diced onion, celery, and carrots, allowing them to soften for approximately 5 minutes. Introduce crushed garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
4. Sprinkle in dried basil, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Blend ingredients thoroughly and elevate to a rolling boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold in drained beans and maintain a vigorous boil.
7. When boiling consistently, gently stir in ditalini pasta. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
8. Monitor soup consistency, supplementing with up to 1 cup of water if mixture becomes overly dense.
9. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize the meat by mixing ground beef with Italian sausage for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and adjust seasoning gradually for perfect taste balance.
• Swap ditalini pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice pasta for celiac-friendly version.
• Let soup simmer longer to develop deeper flavors, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify taste profile.

• Prep Time: 6 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg