Olive Garden pasta fagioli soup

This hearty and comforting soup captures the essence of Olive Garden's classic Pasta e Fagioli, combining ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. It's the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and feels like a hug in a bowl on chilly evenings.

This recipe became one of my go-to meals when I wanted something both nourishing and simple to prepare. It quickly turned into a family favorite especially on busy weeknights when comfort food is just what everyone needs.

Ingredients You Need

• Olive oil: to sauté and build the soup's flavor base, choose extra virgin for the best taste
• Onion: for a naturally sweet and aromatic foundation, select firm onions without soft spots
• Carrots: to add a subtle sweetness and color, pick firm carrots with vibrant orange skin
• Celery: for a mild earthiness and crunch, fresh stalks should snap when bent
• Garlic: for that unmistakable pungent depth, use fresh cloves that are firm and unblemished
• Ground beef: to provide rich& savory notes and hearty protein, lean or medium fat gives good flavor without too much grease
• Kidney beans: for texture and a slightly nutty taste, canned beans should be rinsed for less sodium
• Cannellini beans: bring creaminess and mellow flavor, like kidney beans, rinse well before use
• Diced tomatoes: to add acidity and brightness, canned whole or diced tomatoes packed in juice work well
• Beef broth: to enhance the meaty flavor and give the soup a robust base, homemade or high quality store-bought is best
• Italian seasoning: for authentic herbaceous notes, a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary works wonders
• Small pasta such as ditalini: to create the traditional texture, choose pasta made from semolina for al dente bite
• Salt and pepper: to balance and heighten all the flavors, adjust according to taste preference

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Flavor Base:

Sauté the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant. This combination forms the heart of the soup's taste and aroma.

Add Aromatics:

Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly for about one minute to release its richness without burning, which would create bitterness.

Brown The Beef:

Add ground beef to the pot and cook thoroughly until browned all over. Break up any large chunks to ensure even cooking and develop a deep meaty flavor.

Combine Key Ingredients:

Mix in the drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to integrate all the flavors.

Simmer To Develop Depth:

Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and allow it to gently simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Cook The Pasta:

Add the small pasta and continue cooking until tender, typically about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Season To Taste:

Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. A taste test now will help you decide if it needs a little more seasoning.

One of my favorite touches is adding a Parmesan cheese rind into the pot during the simmering stage. It infuses the broth with subtle umami and creamy notes that take the soup to the next level. I recall many family dinners where this soup brought everyone to the table faster than usual because of its irresistible aroma.

Smart Storage Tips

Store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making leftovers extra tasty. To freeze, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed since pasta tends to thicken the soup as it rests.

Ingredient Variations

Try swapping ground beef for Italian sausage if you want a spicier kick. For a healthier twist, ground turkey or chicken works nicely, though the broth may be lighter. Beans can be mixed up too, using chickpeas or navy beans add interesting textures and flavors. Fresh kale or spinach stirred in during the last minutes provides a nutritious green boost.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the soup. Warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks make dipping a delight. For drinks, a glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir complements the Italian herbs and beef beautifully.

This comforting soup is a timeless favorite that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Its flexibility and rich flavors make it an essential recipe for all seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best in this dish?

Small shapes like ditalini or other tiny pasta hold the broth well and cook evenly, making them ideal for this style of soup.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a flavorful vegetarian option.

→ How do the beans contribute to the dish?

Kidney and cannellini beans add creaminess and body while providing a pleasant contrast in texture with the pasta and vegetables.

→ What seasonings enhance the overall flavor?

Italian seasoning blends herbs like basil and oregano that complement the beef, vegetables, and tomatoes, creating a balanced and savory broth.

→ How can I boost the richness of the broth?

Adding a Parmesan cheese rind during simmering infuses the broth with deep, savory notes and enhances mouthfeel.