If you’re a fan of the Pasta Fagioli Soup from Olive Garden, you’re in for a treat! This hearty and comforting Italian soup is filled with tender pasta, beans, and vegetables in a savory tomato broth. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many. The best part? You can recreate this beloved Olive Garden dish at home with a few simple ingredients and steps.In this ultimate guide to Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden style, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and tips to help you make this restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen.Why You’ll Love Olive Garden’s Pasta Fagioli SoupHere’s why this soup has become a classic favorite at Olive Garden and why you’ll love making it at home:Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.Flavorful Broth: The rich tomato-based broth, combined with Italian seasoning, creates a savory, slightly tangy flavor that everyone loves.Easy to Make: With simple, accessible ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can make this delicious soup in less than an hour.Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste—add more vegetables, use different types of beans, or adjust the seasoning.Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden StyleThis recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family meal or to have leftovers for the next day. Here’s what you’ll need:For the Soup:1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or sausage for a lighter version)1 small onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced1 large carrot, diced1 celery stalk, diced1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (white beans), drained and rinsed4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)2 cups water1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1 teaspoon dried basil1 teaspoon dried oreganoSalt and pepper, to taste1 ½ cups small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)2 cups fresh spinach (optional for added greens)2 tablespoons olive oilFor Garnish (optional but delicious):Grated Parmesan cheeseFresh parsley, choppedStep-by-Step: How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden StyleStep 1: Brown the Ground BeefIn a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).Drain any excess fat, if needed, and set the beef aside.Step 2: Sauté the VegetablesIn the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and celery for about 4-5 minutes until they soften.Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and BrothAdd the diced tomatoes (with juices) to the pot and stir.Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir in the Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.Step 4: Add the Beans and PastaStir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Then, add the small pasta to the soup.Simmer the soup for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.Step 5: Add the Spinach (Optional)If you’re using spinach, add it during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to wilt it in the soup.Stir the soup to incorporate the spinach, and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.Step 6: Serve and GarnishLadle the soup into bowls, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor.Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.Practical Tips for the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup1. Use Quality BrothThe broth is the base of this soup, so using low-sodium or homemade broth will result in a richer, more flavorful soup. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.2. Choose the Right PastaFor the best texture, use small pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells. The pasta should be small enough to blend well with the beans and vegetables.3. Add Extra VeggiesWant to boost the nutritional value? Add extra vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers. They’ll enhance the flavor and add more color to your soup.4. Don’t Overcook the PastaBe sure to keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Overcooking can make it too soft and mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check the pasta for doneness about 10 minutes into simmering.5. Make It AheadThis soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy!Serving SuggestionsPasta fagioli soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the savory broth.A side of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden StyleMaking Pasta Fagioli Soup at home is an easy, comforting way to enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden in your own kitchen. With its rich tomato broth, tender beans, hearty pasta, and fresh veggies, this soup is a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s quick and simple to prepare!To recap:Sauté vegetables and cook the ground beef.Simmer the broth with tomatoes, beans, and pasta.Add spinach for extra greens and flavor.Serve hot with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
