Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that combines hearty ingredients and rich flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. This soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh vegetables and beans. Whether you are serving it on a chilly evening or looking for a filling lunch option, this recipe will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a robust flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup provides a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish; it’s perfect for any meal.
• Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process. Having everything ready makes preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet is essential for sautéing onions evenly without overcrowding.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts, helping to enhance the cooking experience.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

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

For the Soup 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)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Vegetables and Seasoning

• 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

For the Beans

• 15 ounces cannellini beans (canned and drained)
• 15 ounces kidney beans (canned and drained)

Final Touches

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 3: Boil the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked ditalini pasta along with both types of beans. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Reduce heat to medium-high and let it cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want your pasta to be al dente—tender but still firm.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all flavors before serving.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve hot with crusty bread or breadsticks for an extra touch of comfort. Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Crusty Artisan Loaf – A warm, freshly baked loaf of artisan bread enhances the soup’s flavors and is perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks – These buttery, garlicky sticks add a savory touch and are great for sopping up the broth.

With Salad

• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad – This classic salad adds crunchy romaine and creamy dressing, making it a satisfying pairing.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grated or shaved Parmesan sprinkled on top of the soup adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melting mozzarella over the hot soup creates a deliciously cheesy experience.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can take your dish from good to great. Here are some useful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer period deepens the flavors and improves consistency.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste your soup before serving; adjusting salt and pepper can make a big difference in flavor.
• Add Extra Vegetables – Feel free to toss in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

1. Garlic Toast – Crisp slices of bread topped with garlic butter make for a delicious side that complements the soup.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies offer a healthy side that pairs well with the hearty soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa add substance and flavor to your meal.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip – Creamy dip served with tortilla chips makes for a delicious appetizer alongside the soup.
6. Quinoa Salad – A light salad made with quinoa, herbs, and lemon dressing brings brightness to this comforting dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté onions and garlic can result in a bland soup. Always start with this step to build flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente by checking it a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can dull the flavor of your soup. Opt for a good vegetable broth for the best taste.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can leave your soup flat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
• Ignoring ingredient sizes: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Chop them into uniform sizes for even texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup vegan?

You can easily make this soup vegan by ensuring all ingredients, especially broth and sauces, are plant-based. Follow the recipe as is!

Can I add more vegetables to Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Yes! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

What type of beans should I use in Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Cannellini beans and kidney beans work great, but you could also use pinto or black beans if you prefer.

How long does it take to prepare Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

The total time for preparation and cooking is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. Its versatility allows for various ingredient swaps based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread or as a standalone meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and customize it to make it your own!