Olive Garden Fagioli Soup Recipe: A Cozy Italian Classic Made at Home
Comforting, hearty, and full of rustic Italian flavors, Olive Garden Fagioli Soup Recipe has become one of the most beloved dishes for soup lovers around the world. The rich aroma of simmering beans, vegetables, herbs, and savory broth creates an inviting warmth that feels like a homemade hug in a bowl. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that make it hard to stop at just one serving.
Italian-inspired soups often rely on simple pantry ingredients, yet the magic lies in how those ingredients come together over gentle heat. Fagioli soup, also known as “Pasta e Fagioli,” combines protein-rich beans, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato base to create a balanced and nourishing dish. Recreating this restaurant favorite at home not only saves money but also allows full control over flavor and freshness.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a breakdown of ingredients along with approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 kcal |
| Ground beef | 1/2 lb | 450 kcal |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Carrot (diced) | 1 large | 30 kcal |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 stalks | 20 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) | 120 kcal |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) | 90 kcal |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | 40 kcal |
| Kidney beans (canned) | 1 can (15 oz) | 350 kcal |
| Cannellini beans | 1 can (15 oz) | 330 kcal |
| Ditalini pasta | 1 cup (dry) | 200 kcal |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon | 5 kcal |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | 3 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Build the Soup Base
Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all flavors.
4. Add Beans and Seasoning
Mix in kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
6. Cook the Pasta
Add ditalini pasta directly into the soup and cook until tender (about 10–12 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Final Taste Adjustment
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra broth if a thinner consistency is preferred.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
- Add more protein: Include Italian sausage or shredded chicken for extra richness.
- Control thickness: Add more broth for a soupier texture or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Boost flavor: A splash of red wine enhances depth and richness.
- Gluten-free option: Replace pasta with gluten-free alternatives or omit it entirely.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–450 kcal |
| Protein | 20–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45–55 g |
| Fat | 10–15 g |
| Fiber | 10–12 g |
This soup offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, making it both filling and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
Olive Garden Fagioli Soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Warm garlic bread or breadsticks
- A fresh green salad with Italian dressing
- Grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top
- A drizzle of olive oil for added richness
- A side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal
Serving it hot enhances its comforting flavors, especially during colder seasons.
Olive Garden Fagioli Soup Recipe: A Cozy Italian Classic Made at Home
6–8
servings15
minutes35
minutes350–400
kcalIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lb ground beef
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 large carrot (diced)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 can kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
1 can cannellini beans (drained & rinsed)
1 cup ditalini pasta
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Cook Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Base Ingredients:
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Add Beans & Seasoning:
- Mix in kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook Pasta:
- Add ditalini pasta and cook for 10–12 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally.
- Serve:
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Flavor deepens over time: Like many Italian soups, Fagioli tastes even better the next day as the beans, vegetables, and broth continue to blend together.
Pasta timing matters: Adding pasta directly into the soup makes it softer over time. For meal prep or leftovers, cook pasta separately and add it when serving to avoid mushiness.
FAQs
1. What is Olive Garden Fagioli Soup made of?
Olive Garden Fagioli Soup (Pasta e Fagioli) is made with ground beef, beans, pasta, vegetables, tomatoes, and a flavorful Italian broth.
2. Can I make fagioli soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra beans or vegetables for more texture and protein.
3. What type of pasta works best for this soup?
Small pasta like ditalini is traditionally used because it blends well with the beans and broth without overpowering the soup.
4. Can I freeze Olive Garden Fagioli Soup?
Yes, it freezes well. However, for best results, freeze it without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
5. How long does fagioli soup last in the fridge?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Conclusion
Olive Garden Fagioli Soup brings together the heart of Italian home cooking with simple, wholesome ingredients that create deeply satisfying flavors. Each bowl delivers warmth, nourishment, and a touch of restaurant-style comfort that feels both familiar and special.
