Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: A Classic Italian Soup with Rich Flavors and Heartwarming Comfort 🍝🥣🇮🇹
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for Italian soup recipes that combine hearty ingredients with authentic flavors, look no further than the famous Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. This beloved soup is a perfect blend of pasta, beans, aromatic herbs, and tender Italian sausages. Whether you want to recreate the flavors of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup or are just craving a comforting bowl of homemade soup recipe, this recipe will guide you step-by-step. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Pasta e Fagioli is guaranteed to become a household favorite for anyone who loves copycat restaurant recipes Olive Garden soups.
2. Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (elbow macaroni or ditali)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
3.1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3.2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3.3. Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked Italian sausages to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, bringing everything to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
3.4. Cook the Pasta
Add the small pasta shapes to the simmering soup. Cook until pasta is al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a finishing touch.
4. Storage Tips and Serving Suggestions
This Italian soup recipe is perfect for making ahead. Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup, and simmer until hot.
For serving, pair your Pasta e Fagioli with crusty Italian bread or a fresh side salad. This soup pairs wonderfully with healthy street corn chicken rice bowl or a simple antipasto platter for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
5. Variations and Tips to Make It Perfect
Want to customize your copycat Olive Garden Minestrone or pasta soup recipes? Add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients, or substitute the Italian sausages with ground beef for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra beans or vegetables.
Use good-quality ground beef or Italian sausages for rich flavor. For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties available in most grocery stores.
6. Nutritional Benefits and Health Aspects
This hearty beef soup recipes and pasta soup recipes offer a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Beans and vegetables provide essential nutrients and support digestive health. Utilizing lean Italian sausages helps keep the dish flavorful yet relatively light.
7. FAQs About Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the Italian sausage and add more vegetables or beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- How long does this soup last in the fridge? Typically, it keeps fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly.
- Is this soup suitable for freezing? Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- What pasta shape is best for this recipe? Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best as they absorb flavors quickly and taste great in soups.
8. Conclusion
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a standout among pasta soup recipes and a hearty addition to any meal plan. Its rich, savory flavors make it an ideal choice for comforting dinners and meal prep. Recreating this popular copycat restaurant recipe at home allows you to enjoy authentic Italian flavors anytime. Whether you prefer a classic version or a customized variation, this homemade soup recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Dive into the comforting world of Italian soups today!
Print
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a classic Italian soup packed with hearty beans, tender pasta, and savory sausage, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth. Perfect for Italian dinner lovers, this copycat recipe captures the authentic taste of Olive Garden’s beloved soup, making it an ideal choice for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (elbow macaroni or ditali)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausages and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Return cooked Italian sausages to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add small pasta shapes and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot garnished with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water; simmer until hot.
- Pair with Italian bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
