Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul and satisfies your taste buds. This hearty soup combines tender pasta, nutritious beans, and vibrant vegetables in a rich broth. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings with friends. Enjoy its comforting flavors any time of year, and feel good knowing you’re indulging in a nutritious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices creates a deliciously rich taste that will warm you from the inside out.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup provides a good source of fiber and protein without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick and Easy: With a total preparation time of just 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into even the busiest schedules.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter or a main course; it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find, this soup is economical yet satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows ample room for sautéing vegetables evenly while maximizing flavor development.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistency in your recipe, leading to the best results every time.
• Wooden spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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
– 15 ounces cannellini beans (- canned and drained)
– 15 ounces kidney beans (- canned and drained)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Add about 3 tablespoons water to a large skillet. Sauté the onions for about 10 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

To the skillet, add the vegetable broth along with all tomato ingredients, carrots, celery, oregano, basil, and cumin. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add in the uncooked ditalini pasta along with both types of beans.

Step 4: Cook Until Al Dente

Reduce heat to medium-high. Cook the soup for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta reaches al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Season Your Soup

Once cooked, add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all seasonings evenly throughout the soup.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup hot alongside crusty bread or breadsticks for a complete meal experience. Enjoy!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance the meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Perfect Pairing: Serve the soup with crusty bread for dipping. It soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Alongside a Green Salad

• Refreshing Contrast: A light green salad complements the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing crunch.

With Garlic Knots

• Savory Addition: Garlic knots are a fantastic side, adding a garlicky twist that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.

Finished with Parmesan Cheese

• Cheesy Bliss: For those who enjoy cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a savory touch to each bowl.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Making the perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to consider:

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning! Adjust herbs and spices according to your taste for enhanced flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables when possible. They add vibrancy and depth to your soup.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook the pasta just until al dente before adding it to the soup; it will continue to cook slightly in the broth.

• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks are an excellent accompaniment that everyone loves.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons adds a nice crunch alongside the soup.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms stuffed with cheesy goodness provide a savory bite that pairs well with the soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds flavor and nutrition to your meal.

5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.

6. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables makes for an inviting starter or side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using the wrong type of beans or pasta can alter the flavor and texture. Stick to cannellini and kidney beans and ditalini pasta for the best results.
• Bold overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente for a perfect bite in your soup.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Skipping or skimping on spices like oregano and basil can lead to bland soup. Be generous with your herbs for robust flavor.
• Bold ignoring prep time: Rushing through chopping vegetables can result in uneven cooking. Take your time to chop them evenly for a balanced texture.
• Bold not tasting before serving: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning before serving can lead to an unbalanced dish. Always check flavors before you finish cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered, until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1–2 minutes, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s known for its comforting flavors.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

You can add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or swap out beans based on your preferences for more texture and taste.

Is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with fiber from beans and veggies while being low in fat. Perfect for a nutritious meal!

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or protein options. This soup makes a perfect dish for any occasion. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!