Imagine a steaming bowl filled with a delightful medley of tender pasta, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to gather around the table and share stories. This is not just any ordinary soup; this is pasta fagioli soup Olive Garden-style, a dish that warms both body and soul.
Now, let me take you on a little journey back to those chilly evenings when my family would huddle around the table. Each spoonful of this comforting soup brought laughter and warmth into our home, transforming even the gloomiest of days into something special. Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday or a cozy Sunday dinner, this soup is ready to wrap you in its embrace.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pasta fagioli soup is incredibly easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners
- The flavors meld beautifully for a hearty meal that’s visually appealing too
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for added versatility
- A warm hug in a bowl!
My friends always rave about how they can’t get enough of this comforting dish!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for sautéing; it adds depth and flavor right from the start.
- Onion: A medium onion brings aromatic sweetness; don’t skimp on chopping it finely for even cooking.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and color; cut them into small cubes for quick cooking.
- Celery: Celery provides crunch and freshness; chop it finely so it blends well with other ingredients.
- Garlic: Minced garlic offers an aromatic punch; use fresh cloves for the best flavor profile.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes give acidity and richness; choose those packed in juice for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping the flavor robust.
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans are a must for authentic texture; rinse them well before adding.
- Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini work best; cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy in the soup.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds Italian flair; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor; add them gradually to taste.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated Parmesan elevates the dish with umami richness; sprinkle some on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these fragrant ingredients until they soften and turn golden brown—about five minutes should do the trick.
Once your vegetables have started to caramelize beautifully, stir in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Let this mixture simmer gently for another couple of minutes while you savor the mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen.
Next up is adding vegetable broth along with rinsed cannellini beans and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 20 minutes. Trust me—the magic happens here!
While that simmers away like it’s preparing for an award-winning performance, cook your pasta separately in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain it well before adding it into your bubbling pot of goodness.
Finally, season your delightful concoction generously with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired—because who doesn’t love cheese?
Now sit back and enjoy every delicious spoonful of your homemade pasta fagioli soup Olive Garden style! You’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- Pasta fagioli soup from Olive Garden is not just filling; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making it a cozy haven
- Perfect for chilly nights, this dish warms your heart and soul with every spoonful
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the broth and veggies. Cook pasta separately to avoid mushiness and combine everything right before serving for the best texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different beans or add spicy sausage for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate this soup into something uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your pasta fagioli soup is flavorful, use quality broth as a base
- Consider simmering longer for deeper flavors and don’t skip the fresh herbs—they truly make a difference!
Cooking pasta fagioli soup reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter filled the air alongside delicious aromas. Friends still rave about that one time I nailed her secret recipe!
FAQ
What beans are best for pasta fagioli soup?
Cannellini beans are traditional, but kidney or navy beans work well too.
Can I make pasta fagioli soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and omit any meat for a hearty vegetarian version.
How do I thicken my pasta fagioli soup?
Use a potato masher to break down some beans or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden Style
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
Description
Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden style is a comforting, hearty dish filled with tender pasta, creamy beans, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for cozy nights, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Cannellini beans
- Small pasta (like ditalini)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add canned diced tomatoes with juices; simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in vegetable broth, rinsed cannellini beans, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook pasta separately until al dente; drain and add to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with grated Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: - Customize your soup by adding different beans or proteins like spicy sausage. - For thicker soup, mash some beans or add a cornstarch slurry.