Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a delightful and hearty bean and pasta soup, perfect for any occasion. This easy, one-pot dish brings the comforting flavors of Olive Garden right into your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of ingredients that are sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip up this delicious soup in just 28 minutes.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of broth, tomatoes, and spices creates a deeply flavorful dish that warms your soul.
• Versatile: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins; it’s a great way to clean out the fridge!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: A big batch serves 8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli efficiently, gather your kitchen tools beforehand. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup thoroughly and allowing all the flavors to meld together.
• Stirring spoon: A sturdy spoon helps mix the ingredients evenly without damaging them.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 mild sausages (casings removed) (substitute with turkey sausage if preferred)
• 4 cups broth
• 15 oz diced tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 2 TBSP ketchup

For the Vegetables and Pasta

• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 1/3 cup Ditalini pasta

For Beans and Seasoning

• 1/2 can red kidney beans
• 1/2 can white beans
• 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: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your large pot over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
* Incorporate the mild sausages, breaking them apart as they cook until browned.

Step 2: Add Broth and Vegetables

Once the sausage is cooked:
* Pour in the broth along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and ketchup.
* Stir in the julienned carrot.

Step 3: Simmer with Pasta and Beans

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
* Add in the Ditalini pasta along with red kidney beans and white beans.
* Season with dried basil, celery seed, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Cook Until Ready

Reduce heat to low.
* Let simmer for about 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a casual gathering, these suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with garlic bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic bread complements the rich soup perfectly.
• Pair with crusty baguette – A fresh baguette adds a delightful crunch and is great for dipping.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with parsley – Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Sprinkle some basil – A few basil leaves will enhance the flavor profile, making it even more aromatic.

As Part of a Meal

• Include a salad – A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Add some cheese on top – Grated Parmesan or mozzarella can be sprinkled to add creaminess and depth.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Making the perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use quality broth – A rich, flavorful broth enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Cook pasta al dente – This ensures the pasta maintains its texture and does not become mushy in the soup.
• Let it simmer longer – Allowing the soup to simmer for extra time melds the flavors beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning carefully – Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, and herbs for your preferred flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds freshness and crunch.
3. Caprese Salad – Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar provide a light side.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring out natural sweetness and flavor.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs make for an indulgent treat.
6. Antipasto Platter – A variety of cured meats (like turkey), cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers diverse flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli, a few common mistakes can hinder your final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

• Bold Flavor Choices: Using bland or low-quality broth can lead to a tasteless soup. Always choose a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth.
• Bold Pasta Timing: Adding pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Cook the Ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving for the best texture.
• Bold Ingredient Ratios: Not measuring the beans or vegetables properly can throw off the balance of your soup. Use precise measurements for a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Bold Overcooking: Cooking the soup for too long can cause the beans and vegetables to lose their texture. Aim for about 20-23 minutes of simmering to maintain their integrity.
• Bold Seasoning Mistakes: Skipping salt and pepper will dull the overall flavor. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

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

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli, here are some frequently asked questions about this comforting dish.

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. It’s perfect for a cozy meal!

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a delightful vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Is there a gluten-free option for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta varieties instead of Ditalini pasta while keeping all other ingredients unchanged.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences by adding various vegetables or adjusting seasonings. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep—give it a try today!