Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that combines hearty flavors with nutritious ingredients. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a cozy meal for one, or looking for a healthy option to warm you up on a chilly day. With its blend of wholesome vegetables and proteins, this recipe stands out as both satisfying and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and savory spices, each spoonful bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as an appetizer; it pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
• Nutritious: Loaded with fiber and protein, this soup is a healthy choice for everyone.
• Meat-Friendly Option: Substitute easily with chicken or turkey if you prefer meat in your soup.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A must-have for sautéing onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate portions of pasta, broth, and vegetables for consistent results every time.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you time during prep.

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Ingredients

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a comfort food that offers healthy carbs and lots of flavor.

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

For Vegetables and 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

For Beans

• 15 ounces cannellini beans (- canned and drained)
• 15 ounces kidney beans (- canned and drained)

For Flavor

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Start by adding about 3 tablespoons of water to your large skillet.
1. Sauté the diced onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they are soft.
2. Add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, add all remaining ingredients into the skillet:
1. Pour in the vegetable broth along with all tomato products—diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
2. Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, dried oregano, basil, and cumin.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil:
1. Once boiling, add in the uncooked ditalini pasta along with both types of drained beans.
2. Reduce heat to medium-high and let the soup cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Finally:
1. Add salt and black pepper to taste; stir well.
2. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and make it a complete dining option.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The texture of the bread complements the soup’s richness.

As a Standalone Meal

• Serve it as a main dish, providing a filling and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Its balance of pasta and beans offers healthy carbs and protein.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a pop of color. This simple touch can freshen up the dish visually and taste-wise.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair the soup with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad or Caesar salad, to add freshness and crunch to your meal.

With Parmesan Alternatives

• Offer grated vegan cheese or nutritional yeast on the side for those who enjoy a cheesy finish without dairy. This adds depth to the flavor while keeping it plant-based.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is all about balance and flavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Choose Quality Broth: Use high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor base. Homemade broth enhances the soup’s richness, but store-bought is convenient and effective.

• Cook Pasta Separately: If you prefer firmer pasta, cook ditalini separately and add it just before serving. This prevents overcooking in the soup.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully. Reheat before serving if needed.

• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Complement your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup with these delightful side dishes. Each pairing enhances the overall dining experience.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic breadsticks make for perfect dippers in this flavorful soup.

2. Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad featuring tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provides brightness against the rich soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Assorted roasted vegetables offer a tasty contrast in texture and taste; try carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with herbs and breadcrumbs are great appetizers that pair well with any Italian dish.

5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad adds variety; use diced veggies and a light vinaigrette for refreshing bites between spoonfuls of warm soup.

6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances savory flavors in the soup.

7. Greek Salad: A tangy Greek salad brings acidity through olives and feta cheese that lifts the dish even further.

8. Crispy Polenta Fries: These crunchy fries offer a unique twist that’s both hearty and satisfying alongside your comforting bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few crucial steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold ingredient preparation: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all veggies are chopped to similar sizes for a consistent texture.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will result in mushy noodles. Aim for al dente, so it maintains its shape and texture in the soup.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Bold using low-quality broth: The flavor of the broth significantly impacts the soup’s taste. Use a high-quality vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
• Bold skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for building a flavorful base.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storing soup.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, usually about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup that you may find helpful.

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

You can easily make this recipe vegan by ensuring that your vegetable broth is free from animal products and using plant-based ingredients only.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or swap beans based on your preference.

What is the best type of pasta for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can substitute with any small pasta shapes like elbows or shells if needed.

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

This soup lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans, making it adaptable to any meal plan. Give this delicious recipe a try; you’ll love how quick and satisfying it is!