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Pasta Fagioli Soup is a beloved Italian classic that’s both hearty and comforting. Known for its rich tomato base, tender beans, and savory ground beef, this soup is a staple at Olive Garden and in many home kitchens. It’s packed with bold flavors, a satisfying mix of textures, and just the right amount of pasta to make it a complete meal.
This Olive Garden-inspired Pasta Fagioli brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table. It’s easy to make, incredibly filling, and perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. The combination of vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a robust broth, while the pasta and beans add heartiness without making the dish too heavy.
The best part? This soup is simple, affordable, and customizable—swap the beef for turkey, use different beans, or add extra veggies to make it your own. Whether served with crusty bread, a side salad, or on its own, this Pasta Fagioli will warm you up with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Tastes just like Olive Garden’s version—maybe even better!
- Hearty & Satisfying: Loaded with beans, pasta, and ground beef for a complete meal in one bowl.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in under an hour.
- Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
- Customizable: Adjust the beans, pasta, or protein to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Soup Base:
- Ground Beef: Adds depth and a rich, savory taste.
- Onion, Carrots, & Celery: The classic Italian soffritto base for flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall richness of the broth.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Provide a hearty, flavorful broth.
- Beef Broth: Creates a deep, savory soup base.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flavors.
For the Hearty Texture:
- Cannellini & Red Kidney Beans: Bring creaminess and protein.
- Ditalini Pasta: Small pasta that absorbs flavor while maintaining texture.
- Bay Leaf & Black Pepper: Add complexity and warmth.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Stir in the beans, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Add the ditalini pasta directly to the soup and cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning adjustments.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Pro Tip Before Cooking
For the best texture, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
Pasta Fagioli Soup (Olive Garden Style)
A rich and hearty Pasta Fagioli soup, inspired by Olive Garden’s classic version, featuring ground beef, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, beans, and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook until tender.
Serve hot with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the beef and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or swap pasta for rice.
- pice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Thicker Soup: Mash some of the beans before adding to thicken the broth.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 9gCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 8gProtein: 22g
Best Ways to Serve This Soup
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: A light green salad pairs beautifully with the rich soup
- Topped with Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan enhances every bite.
Pro Tip After Cooking
Let the soup sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge. Just reheat and enjoy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Freeze in individual portions and reheat when needed. If freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it after reheating.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While ditalini is traditional, you can use small shells, elbow macaroni, or even orzo.
Wrapping it up
This Pasta Fagioli Soup (Olive Garden Style) is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings comfort to any meal. Packed with beans, pasta, and ground beef, it’s filling, delicious, and easy to make.
Whether you’re recreating the Olive Garden experience at home or simply craving a warm, nourishing bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Make a batch today, serve it fresh, or save some for later—because a soup this good only gets better with time!
