Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a delightful bean and pasta soup that captures the essence of Italian comfort food. This hearty dish is not only EASY to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or a quick weeknight meal. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a standout choice for any occasion, bringing the warmth of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just one pot needed, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with beans, vegetables, and savory broth, this soup is both filling and delicious.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize it easily by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping in different types of beans.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 28 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy days when time is short.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli, having the right tools will enhance your cooking experience. Here are some essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients without spilling over.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring precision and safety during prep.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing onions and julienning carrots, speeding up your cooking process.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli:

For the Soup Base

• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 mild sausages (casings removed) (replace with chicken sausage if desired)
• 4 cups broth
• 15 oz diced tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 2 TBSP ketchup
• 1 carrot (julienned)

For the Beans and Pasta

• 1/3 cup Ditalini pasta
• 1/2 can red kidney beans
• 1/2 can white beans

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, julienne the carrot, and mince the garlic. This will ensure everything is ready for quick cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the mild sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Once the sausage is cooked through, add the diced onion, julienned carrot, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Liquids

Pour in the broth along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and ketchup. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans and Pasta

Add in the Ditalini pasta along with both types of beans. Season with dried basil, celery seed, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir again to mix everything together.

Step 6: Simmer

Bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 7: Serve

Taste your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli for seasoning adjustments before serving hot. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that warms the soul. It pairs well with various sides and toppings, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.

Topped with Parmesan

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.

Served with a Salad

• A crisp salad balances the hearty soup and adds freshness to your meal.

Accompanied by Garlic Breadsticks

• Soft garlic breadsticks make an excellent side, adding a delightful garlic flavor.

Finished with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped parsley or basil to enhance presentation and taste.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Creating the perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is easy with a few tips to elevate your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavors of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and add salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
• Cook pasta separately: To avoid mushy pasta, cook the Ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing, topped with croutons and Parmesan.
2. Garlic Bread: Slices of bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden brown.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing side.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender; they add color and nutrition.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices; they complement the soup nicely.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet, moist muffins that offer a nice contrast to the savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Boldly skip the prep: Not prepping your ingredients before cooking can lead to chaos. Chop your vegetables and measure out ingredients ahead of time for a smoother cooking experience.

• Boldly overlook seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can make it taste bland. Always taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly.

• Boldly ignore cooking times: Cooking the pasta for too long can result in mushy noodles. Ditalini pasta should be added towards the end of cooking to ensure it remains al dente.

• Boldly use the wrong broth: Choosing a low-quality broth can affect the flavor of your soup. Use a rich chicken or vegetable broth for the best results.

• Boldly rush the simmering process: Skipping the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing. Allow your soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes to enhance its depth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

• This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions people often ask about Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli.

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian bean and pasta soup made with vegetables, beans, and flavorful broth.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or substitute beans based on your preference.

Is there a vegetarian version of Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat ingredients.

How do I store leftover Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or beans, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try; your family will love this comforting one-pot meal!