When you think of a warm hug on a chilly day, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a steaming bowl of pasta fagioli soup from the beloved Olive Garden. Picture this: a rich, aromatic broth filled with tender pasta and beans that dance in harmony like a waltz at a fancy ball. Each spoonful transports you to Italy, where every meal is a celebration.
Now imagine sharing this delightful dish with family or friends gathered around the table, laughter echoing as they savor the flavors. It’s the kind of meal that sparks joy and creates memories—perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. Anticipate the warm aromas wafting through your kitchen while you prepare this comforting masterpiece.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pasta fagioli soup brings the warmth of Italy right into your kitchen with minimal effort
- The flavors meld beautifully as it simmers, creating a cozy aroma that’s hard to resist
- Vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing, ensuring it stands out at any dinner table
- Versatile enough to adapt based on your pantry staples while being hearty enough to satisfy any appetite
Sharing this recipe always brings smiles; once my friend exclaimed it was “better than my ex’s cooking.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on flavor here.
- Onion: Choose a medium onion for sweetness; finely chop it for even cooking.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness; slice them into small rounds for even texture.
- Celery: Celery gives crunch; opt for crisp stalks to enhance flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; chop them finely for maximum aroma.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for depth; they provide acidity that balances flavors beautifully.
- Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the dish balanced; feel free to use chicken broth if preferred.
- Pasta: Ditalini works best for authenticity; cook until al dente to retain bite.
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans add protein; rinse well before adding them to the soup.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances flavor; don’t skip this crucial component!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to taste preferences.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese is optional but highly recommended for serving—you’ll thank me later!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add Garlic & Spices: Toss in minced garlic along with Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until garlic releases its aroma—about 30 seconds will do!
Pour in Tomatoes & Broth: Add crushed tomatoes followed by vegetable broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently—watch as bubbles dance joyfully.
Mix in Beans & Pasta: Once simmering nicely, introduce cannellini beans and ditalini pasta into the pot. Cook until pasta achieves that delightful al dente texture—usually around 10 minutes.
Final Seasoning: Taste your masterpiece! Adjust salt and pepper if needed—adding more depth is vital here.
Serve piping hot with grated Parmesan sprinkled generously on top—prepare yourself for compliments!
Cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be an adventure filled with laughter and love while filling your home with amazing aromas. This pasta fagioli soup from Olive Garden will surely delight your family or guests time after time!
You Must Know
- The delicious pasta fagioli soup from Olive Garden is more than just comfort food; it’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that warms your soul
- You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion
- The aroma while simmering is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion for fragrant goodness, then add beans and broth before incorporating pasta. This sequence ensures everything melds perfectly, allowing those wonderful flavors to shine through.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different beans or add veggies like spinach for extra nutrition. A sprinkle of parmesan on top elevates the dish and adds a delightful savory kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Making sure the pasta is al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when reheated
- For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery during cooking
- Using homemade broth enhances flavor and adds depth to your pasta fagioli experience
Cooking this pasta fagioli soup has become a family favorite, with my kids requesting it often—especially when they’re feeling under the weather!
FAQ
What makes Olive Garden’s pasta fagioli soup unique?
The blend of aromatic herbs and hearty beans creates a distinctive flavor profile.
Can I make pasta fagioli soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How can I thicken my pasta fagioli soup?
For a thicker consistency, mash some beans or add more pasta during cooking.
Homemade Pasta Fagioli Soup Inspired by Olive Garden
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Pasta fagioli soup inspired by Olive Garden offers a warm, comforting blend of beans and pasta in a rich broth, perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Medium onion
- Fresh carrots
- Crisp celery
- Garlic cloves
- Crushed tomatoes
- Low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- Ditalini pasta
- Cannellini beans
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cannellini beans and ditalini pasta; cook until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot, topped with grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg