Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe

I’m excited to share this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe with you because it has that perfect balance of rich, comforting flavors and hearty textures that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. If you love traditional Italian-American dishes with a homey vibe, this soup is going to become a fast favorite. I absolutely love how the mild sausage adds just enough savory punch without overwhelming the delicate tomato and bean base.

You’ll find that this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe works wonderfully on chilly evenings or when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up. When I first tried replicating this classic at home, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could deliver such a rich and authentic taste, which makes this a great go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe works together to build that characteristic savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic profile. When shopping, I recommend grabbing fresh veggies and good quality broth to really make your soup shine.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base; make sure to dice finely to meld seamlessly into the soup.
• Mild sausages: Removing casings and crumbling them makes for perfectly textured meat bits.
• Broth: Use good quality chicken or vegetable broth for depth; beef bouillon plus water works in a pinch.
• Diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and richness; fire-roasted varieties add extra flavor.
• Tomato sauce: Smoothes out the texture and complements the diced tomatoes.
• Ketchup: A secret ingredient that adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Carrot: Julienned for a bit of natural sweetness and bite.
• Ditalini pasta: Tiny pasta that’s perfect for soups — it soaks up flavors without overpowering.
• Red kidney beans & white beans: Provides creaminess and substance; rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium.
• Dried basil: Classic Italian herb that elevates the soup with its fragrant notes.
• Celery seed: A subtle aroma enhancer; fresh celery works great too.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that aromatic, savory punch.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and enhancing all the flavors.

Variations

I love how adaptable the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe is — whether you want to lighten it up, add some protein, or switch up flavors seasonally, there’s so much room to make it your own.

• Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped the sausage for sautéed mushrooms and added vegetable broth to keep things hearty yet meat-free.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños gives the soup a fun heat that my family can’t get enough of.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: I sometimes leave out the pasta and add extra beans and chopped zucchini for more fiber without the carbs.
• Seasonal Veggies: Toss in kale or spinach for extra greens during fall and winter in my kitchen.

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Sausage

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it soften and become translucent – this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, crumble in your mild sausage (make sure you’ve removed the casing first) and cook it until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. This first step builds your flavor base, and trust me, those sausage bits will infuse the entire soup as it simmers.

Step 2: Add Liquids, Tomatoes, and Carrots

Pour in the broth along with the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir in the ketchup and sugar to balance acidity. Add the julienned carrots and let everything come to a gentle simmer. This is when the magic starts—allow it to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, giving those flavors time to marry and the carrots to soften just right.

Step 3: Final Flavor Boost and Pasta Cooking

Now, sprinkle in the dried basil, celery seed, minced garlic, and add salt and pepper to your taste. Stir in the ditalini pasta and both cans of rinsed beans. Continue simmering for another 5-8 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on the pasta so it doesn’t overcook — you want it soft with a little chew.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Remove your soup from heat and ladle it into bowls. Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top — it adds that classic finishing touch that brings everything together beautifully. Serve right away for the best flavor, or save some for later; the taste actually improves after sitting for a bit!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my Pasta Fagioli with freshly grated Parmesan because it melts just enough to add creaminess, and sometimes a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving is a nice touch, too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or some crunchy garlic bread for dipping in the soup. Sometimes I whip up a quick bruschetta to make things feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual entertaining, I sometimes serve the soup in mini bread bowls – it’s such a fun and rustic presentation that guests always comment on! You can also ladle it into small mason jars for an easy, portable option at picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pasta Fagioli in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. The flavors actually taste better the next day as they have time to meld fully. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, which is great for meal prep. I portion it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space as the pasta expands a little. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy and helps maintain that fresh soup texture. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s comforting, reliable, and delicious every single time. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable to make but tastes like you put a lot of love into it. If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming soup with a touch of Italian charm, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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