Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This hearty soup features a medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its rich taste and healthy ingredients, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with beans, vegetables, and whole grains, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and savory broth makes this soup incredibly comforting.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic evenly without overcrowding the pan.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quicker and safer.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

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

For the 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; canned or fresh tomatoes to measure that amount)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Vegetables

• 1 1/2 cups carrots (- chopped small; about 2 carrots)
• 1/2 cup celery (- chopped)

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper

For the Beans

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

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by adding about 3 tablespoons of water to a large skillet.
* Sauté the diced onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they become translucent.
* Add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

To the skillet with sautéed onions and garlic:
* Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chopped carrots, chopped celery, oregano, basil, and cumin.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

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

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Reduce heat to medium-high again:
* Cook the soup for 6 to 8 minutes until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finally:
* Stir in salt and black pepper. Taste test for seasoning adjustments if necessary.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve hot with crusty bread or breadsticks on the side for dipping.

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup serves 6 people and is perfect as a nutritious meal any day of the week!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience. This hearty soup pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes to enhance its flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked crusty bread adds texture and is perfect for dipping into the soup.

Topped with Parmesan Cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese offers a salty, nutty flavor that complements the rich broth beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley or basil can bring freshness and color to your bowl, making it visually appealing.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A light salad, such as a mixed greens salad, provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.

Served in a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in an edible bread bowl. It’s both creative and delicious!

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To achieve the best results with your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your soup significantly.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent mushy pasta, add it towards the end of cooking and aim for al dente.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together better.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious soup.

2. Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds a tasty Italian flair.

3. Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons in Caesar salad create a delightful contrast.

4. Stuffed Peppers: These savory delights filled with rice and vegetables make for a filling accompaniment.

5. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds both color and nutrition to your meal.

6. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer brightness alongside the hearty soup.

7. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with veggies complements the warm soup perfectly while adding variety.

8. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and vegetables provides an elegant touch to your dining table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold ingredient choices: Using low-quality or canned ingredients can affect flavor. Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality canned beans for the best taste.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Skipping spices can leave your soup bland. Remember to add salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Bold cooking pasta too long: Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for al dente by checking the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.
• Bold ignoring broth quality: Not using flavorful broth can result in a dull soup. Choose a rich vegetable broth to give depth to your dish.
• Bold skipping the taste test: Failing to taste before serving can lead to imbalances in flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating for better preservation.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients only.

How long does Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup last?

The soup lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach or switch up the beans based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not just filling; it’s versatile and full of flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how comforting and delicious it is!