Discover the essence of comfort with my rendition of the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe. This hearty Italian classic blends tender pasta, savory ground beef, and wholesome vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.
Perfectly balanced with herbs and a touch of Parmesan, it’s a dish that warms the soul and delights the palate. Join me as we recreate this beloved restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen, making every spoonful a taste of homemade goodness.
Ingredients For Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Start on a culinary journey with my exclusive Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe. This robust dish captures the essence of Italian comfort food, combining hearty ingredients in a flavorful broth that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises simplicity and delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these key ingredients:
- Lean ground beef
- Yellow onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Ditalini pasta
- Dark red kidney beans
- Great northern beans
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Required Equipment
Gather these essential tools to ensure smooth preparation:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for rinsing beans)
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
Required Time
Plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step By Step Instructions For Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Master the art of creating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup with these easy-to-follow steps:
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Saute the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Saute until tender, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
3. Combine Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, tomato sauce, and canned diced tomatoes. Stir in granulated sugar and a blend of dried herbs including basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
5. Add Beans and Finish: Stir in drained and rinsed dark red kidney beans and great northern beans into the soup. Add cooked pasta and simmer for an additional minute to warm through.
6. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook ditalini pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in minced fresh parsley. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with these practical tips to ensure your Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for at least 80% lean ground beef to keep the soup hearty yet not overly greasy.
- Saute Aromatics Thoroughly: Take your time sauteing onions, carrots, and celery to develop a deep, rich flavor base for the soup.
- Balance Tomato Flavors: Adjust the amount of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to suit your preference for a more or less tomato-forward soup.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Ditalini pasta is traditional for Pasta Fagioli, but feel free to substitute with small pasta shapes like macaroni or orzo if needed.
- Fresh Herbs for Brightness: Use fresh parsley at the end of cooking to add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color to the soup.
- Simmer for Flavor Development: Allow the soup to simmer gently after combining all ingredients to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Store and Reheat Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.
- Serve with Bread: Accompany the soup with crusty bread or homemade breadsticks for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get details about more mouthwatering dishes
Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Olive Garden Meat Ball Recipe
Olive Garden Baked Ziti Recipe
Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe
Serving Tips for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Olive Garden’s Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delicious and versatile dish, but with a few simple serving tweaks, you can elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some ideas to transform your next bowl of Pasta Fagioli into a truly satisfying and flavorful experience:
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a classic Italian touch and a welcome burst of salty richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a delightful freshness that complements the savory flavors of the soup.
- Crusty Bread: Dunking crusty bread into the hot soup is a delightful way to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying textural contrast. Opt for sourdough or Italian bread for an extra dose of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you crave a touch of heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a welcome layer of spice.
- Salad Pairing: A light and refreshing side salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the soup and provide a welcome dose of greens.
- Soup Course or Main Event: Pasta Fagioli’s hearty nature allows it to be enjoyed as a main course, especially when paired with crusty bread. Alternatively, a smaller portion can be served as a starter or light lunch.
Nutrition in Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Olive Garden’s Pasta Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian comfort food, but for health-conscious diners, understanding its nutritional profile can be helpful. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients in a single serving (as listed on Olive Garden’s website):
- Calories: 150 calories. This positions it on the lower end of the calorie spectrum for restaurant soups. However, it’s important to remember that portion sizes can vary in restaurants.
- Fat: 5 grams. This includes 2 grams of saturated fat.
- Carbohydrates: 16 grams. It’s important to note that 3 grams of these carbohydrates come from dietary fiber.
- Protein: 8 grams. This protein content can help you feel satisfied after eating the soup.
- Sodium: 710 milligrams. This is a significant amount of sodium, so be mindful if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Conclusion
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is more than just a dish—it’s a comforting embrace of Italian flavors and wholesome ingredients. With its hearty combination of ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth, this soup not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul.
Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or shared with friends, this recipe offers a taste of homemade goodness that rivals any restaurant version. Embrace the joy of cooking with this simple yet flavorful soup that promises to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
FAQs
1. What is pasta fagioli soup made of?
Pasta fagioli soup typically includes ground beef, vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, beans such as kidney beans and cannellini beans, pasta like ditalini, and a flavorful broth.
2. What’s the difference between pasta fagioli and minestrone soup?
Pasta fagioli soup is heartier with ground beef and beans, while minestrone soup is lighter and often includes a variety of vegetables and sometimes pasta.
3. What is the difference between pasta fagioli and pasta fazool?
Pasta fagioli and pasta fazool are different names for the same Italian soup, featuring pasta and beans in a savory broth.
4. What are the four soups at Olive Garden?
The four soups at Olive Garden are typically Pasta e Fagioli, Zuppa Toscana, Chicken & Gnocchi, and Minestrone.
Karen Bailey is a copycat recipe expert, mastering the art of recreating famous restaurant dishes in her own kitchen. With a passion for cooking and sharing, she’s become a trusted guide for those craving restaurant flavors at home. Through her blog and social media, Karen simplifies complex recipes, making gourmet meals accessible to all.