Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool) is a delightful, hearty dish that brings the warmth of Italian cooking right to your kitchen. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or simply when you crave a comforting bowl of goodness. With its rich blend of ground beef, beans, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, it truly stands out as a go-to meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: This soup combines protein-rich ground beef and fiber-filled beans, ensuring every bowl keeps you satisfied.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this soup uniquely yours; the flexibility allows everyone to enjoy it.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd without extra hassle.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to potlucks, this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is always a hit.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup successfully, having the right tools can make all the difference. Below are some essential tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch Oven
Wooden Spoon
Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
Measuring Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch Oven: A heavy pot that retains heat well, perfect for simmering soups evenly without burning.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
Chef’s Knife: A versatile tool that makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface to prepare your ingredients while keeping your kitchen clean.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create this delicious Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup:

Meat and Broth

1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef
4 cups Chicken Broth

Vegetables

1 Onion (Large, diced)
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
3 Carrots (diced)
3 stalks Celery (diced)

Beans and Tomatoes

15 ounces Cannellini Beans
15 ounces Kidney Beans
14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes

Seasonings

2 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning (divided)
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
1 Bay Leaf
1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Salt and Pepper

Pasta

1 pound Ditalini Pasta (cooked)

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large dutch oven, season the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of all-purpose seasoning. Cook over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked:
1. Remove it from the pot and drain excess fat.
2. Leave one tablespoon of fat in the pot.
3. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery along with the remaining seasoning.
4. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf:
– Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the browned ground beef back into the pot:
– Add diced tomatoes with their liquid, both types of beans, and chicken broth.
– Stir everything together until combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes:
– This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches

Before serving:
– Taste the soup; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

In individual serving bowls:
– Add 1 cup of cooked ditalini pasta before ladling in the soup.
– Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Serving Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing the flavors and making it a complete meal. Here are some creative suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Classic Touch

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping in the soup.
Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with soft garlic breadsticks for a delightful twist.

Flavor Enhancements

Fresh Herbs: Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil to brighten the flavors.
Grated Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Accompaniments

Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
Olive Oil Drizzle: Add a drizzle of quality olive oil on top for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup requires attention to detail and a few key tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure your soup is always delicious.

Bold seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices according to your taste. This enhances the overall flavor profile.
Quality ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and quality broth for the best outcome. Freshness makes a significant difference.
Simmer time: Let it simmer longer if possible. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Pasta cooking: Cook ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

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

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze offer a light and flavorful addition.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and add color to your plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms stuffed with herbs and cheese make for an elegant appetizer.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
Focaccia Bread: Soft, herbed focaccia is perfect for sopping up every last drop of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls is key to achieving the best flavor and texture.

Using the wrong pasta: Choosing a pasta that doesn’t hold up well in soup can lead to mushy results. Stick with ditalini or other small pasta shapes for the best texture.
Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning your soup can make it bland. Ensure you taste and adjust the spices and herbs as you go for a flavorful dish.
Ignoring the simmering time: Rushing the cooking process prevents flavors from developing. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes to enhance its richness.
Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them lose their texture. Aim for a tender yet crisp finish by adding them at the right time in the recipe.
Not adding enough broth: A soup should be hearty but not dry. Make sure you include enough chicken broth to keep it soupy and delicious.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup (Pasta Fazool)?

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring beans, vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or omit it entirely. Add more beans and vegetables for flavor.

How do I store Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

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

Can I use different beans in my soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix various types of beans like black beans or chickpeas based on your preference.

How can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even use different spices to tailor it to your taste!

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your palate. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends—perfect for any occasion!