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October 17, 2018 57 Comments

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Olive-Garden-Pasta-Fagioli-SoupIn case you didn’t know, Olive Garden makes the best Pasta Fagioli Soup. I had always chosen the Zuppa Toscana, because I LOVE IT. A few months ago, a friend talked me into trying her Pasta Fagioli, and I was like, “WOW!!!” I knew immediately that I needed to be able to make it at home. I set out to find a good recipe for it on the inter-webs! Another Italian soup I love is Sausage and Sweet Potato Tortellini Soup. Both soup recipes are perfect for cold, fall days.

On the inter-webs, there were a few different recipes to choose from. Some were a little pickier than others, and some asked for strange spices that I don’t normally keep on hand, ex: tarragon and marjoram. So I took the general idea from the different recipes and decided to try it on my own with more basic ingredients and see how it came out.

Spoiler Alert! It came out AWESOME! I am so happy to share this delicious and simple Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe with you. It’s delicious and especially perfect for this time of year. The nice crisp fall weather basically begs us to make soup.

Soup Recipes Perfect for Fall

  • Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
  • Thick and Creamy Potato and Ham Soup
  • Corn Chowder
  • Thick and Creamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
  • Spicy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup
  • Classic Taco Soup

Olive-Garden-Pasta-Fagioli-Soup

HOW TO MAKE Olive Garden PASTA FAGIOLI SOUP

  • Heat oil in your favorite large soup pot.
  • Add ground beef or half Italian sausage and half ground beef. Brown the meat.
  • Add onion, celery and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes or so. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Next, add spices, sugar and pepper flakes.
  • Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth. Stir well. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Add drained beans. Bring to a boil.
  • Once soup is boiling, add ditalini pasta and cook according to the time called for on package directions.
  • Once noodles are cooked, soup is ready to serve. Serve with dried or fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup is traditionally made with ground beef, but I like to do half ground beef, half Italian Sausage. If you want to use all Italian Sausage, that’s fine. I suggest definitely adding beef stock or beef bullion instead of chicken, which adds a layer of depth that the beef flavor gives the soup.

I definitely sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on my soup. It’s the perfect complement. I just realized I didn’t use any in these pictures…silly me. (Blaming that on pregnancy brain.) 🙂

I hope you enjoy this flavorful, savory soup! Olive-Garden-Pasta-Fagioli-Soup

Tips for making Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
  • If you make the soup with only Italian sausage, use beef stock or beef bullion for best flavor.
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese and/or parsley to the bowl of soup for additional flavor.
  • If you don’t have ditalini pasta on hand, another small-shaped pasta like macaroni will work.

cook’s tools

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Garlic Press
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Can Opener

Soups You'll Love

Cabbage-Roll-Soup-recipeCabbage Roll SoupChicken-Tortellini-Soup-with-Extra-VeggiesChicken Tortellini Soup with Extra Veggieshomemade chicken noodle soup in a pot with a ladle taking out a big scoop of soup. You can see carrots, celery and chicken in the soup along with the homemade noodles.Classic Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles

4.9 from 18 reviews
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
 
Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
25 mins
Total time
40 mins
 
Hearty and layered with Italian flavors, this soup is simple to make.
Recipe type: Soup
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef OR ½ lbs. ground beef and ½ lbs. Italian Sausage
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 stalks of celery, sliced
  • 1-2 cups sliced or diced carrots
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1½ tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp dried Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 3 8 oz cans tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth (or 1 tsp bullion per cup of water)
  • 1 cup more of water, if needed.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 15 oz can Kidney Beans, drained (dark or light)
  • 1 15 oz can Great Northern beans, drained (or Cannellini Beans)
  • 1 cup Ditalini Pasta
  • Parsley, dried or fresh (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in your favorite large soup pot.
  2. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and ground beef. Brown the meat.
  3. Add onion, celery and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes or so. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Next, add spices, sugar, pepper flakes.
  5. Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth. Stir well. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Add drained beans. Bring to a boil.
  7. Once soup is boiling, add ditalini pasta and cook according to the time called for on package directions.
  8. Once noodles are cooked, soup is ready to serve. Serve with dried or fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
3.4.3177

Fall Inspired Desserts

Jewish Apple Cakepumpkin-choc-chip-cheesecake-bars-Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cheesecake BarsPumpkin-Pecan-Crunch-6Pumpkin Pecan Crunch

 

Beef, Dinners, Healthy Recipes, Italian, Reader Favorites, Recipes, Soup/Stew/Chili
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57 Comments

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57 Comments

  1. Dream

    November 2, 2018 at 7:33 am

    This soup is better than Olive Garden’s! Thank you so much for the recipe!!

    to Dream" aria-label='reply to this comment to Dream'>reply to this comment
    • Tahja M

      June 1, 2021 at 8:22 am

      This has become one of my favorites to make, simple & so delicious!

      to Tahja M" aria-label='reply to this comment to Tahja M'>reply to this comment
      • Maria

        January 17, 2022 at 9:31 am

        Yay! I am so glad!

        to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  2. Mary Brice

    November 18, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Delicious!! Thank you! I always appreciate your support to make my kitchen always modern!!

    to Mary Brice" aria-label='reply to this comment to Mary Brice'>reply to this comment
  3. Trish

    September 29, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    Made this for my boyfriend’s birthday dinner and it turned out great. Already had rotel diced tomatoes & chilis so I used that. Was out of red pepper flakes & brown sugar so I didn’t have those. Used a little jalapeño garlic to give it a kick. Wish I could share a picture because it is a work of art.

    to Trish" aria-label='reply to this comment to Trish'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      October 22, 2019 at 4:54 am

      Awesome! Love hearing this Trish!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
      • Lorraine Hoorn

        March 9, 2020 at 1:43 pm

        I made this with the hamburger and all ingredients as listed. It was delicious! Tastes even better the next day! Will try next with the sausage.

        to Lorraine Hoorn" aria-label='reply to this comment to Lorraine Hoorn'>reply to this comment
        • Maria

          March 16, 2020 at 7:09 am

          Yay! So glad you liked it, I feel the same way about it being even better the next day!

          to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  4. Christine

    October 26, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    I used this recipe as a base — changed a few things ,I used chicken instead of beef ,with Italian sausage ,and used 1 jar of ragu sauce instead of tomato sauce — It was Wonderful — Everyone enjoyed this — will definitely make it again 🤗

    to Christine" aria-label='reply to this comment to Christine'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      May 12, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      Great! I love hearing that Christine!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  5. Jeanie

    November 23, 2019 at 11:15 am

    Does this freeze well?

    to Jeanie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jeanie'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      April 2, 2020 at 1:31 pm

      I haven’t tried freezing it yet, but I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t. Some people don’t like to freeze pasta, but with such a small amount it should be fine.

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  6. Jean

    December 21, 2019 at 9:40 am

    I made this last night and it was delicious. I left out the meat.

    to Jean" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jean'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      April 2, 2020 at 12:34 pm

      So glad you made it and I’m so glad to know it can stand on it’s own without meat. Awesome!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  7. Linda

    February 20, 2020 at 10:18 pm

    My husband loves Olive Garden soup and he Loved this recipe. The Italian sausage and beef broth added to the flavor. Also very simple to make.

    to Linda" aria-label='reply to this comment to Linda'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      February 22, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      I am so glad you and your husband liked the recipe! Thank you so much for coming back to let me know!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  8. Janie

    April 4, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    My husband and I loved this soup! A keeper for sure. I have never been fond of the words “season to taste“, but I added about a teaspoon of salt, a healthy dose of ground pepper, and a squirt of Sriracha and I thought the end result was perfect!

    to Janie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Janie'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      May 6, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      Awesome! I love hearing that Janie!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      May 6, 2020 at 2:07 pm

      I love hearing that Janie! Glad you liked it

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  9. Pegi

    June 15, 2020 at 1:07 pm

    FABULOUS! Super easy, amazing flavor 💜👍👍👍

    to Pegi" aria-label='reply to this comment to Pegi'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      June 24, 2020 at 6:28 am

      Thank you Pegi, I’m so glad you liked it.

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  10. Lorie Anderson

    July 2, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    So wonderful! Mouth watering! Going into our favorites pile.

    to Lorie Anderson" aria-label='reply to this comment to Lorie Anderson'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      July 6, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Awesome, I love hearing this Lorie.

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  11. Amelia

    July 10, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    Awesome. I’ll try this during my birthday.

    to Amelia" aria-label='reply to this comment to Amelia'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      July 13, 2020 at 4:38 am

      Perfect! I hope you like it!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  12. Ashley J

    December 14, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    This dish was so delicious and full of flavor! My kids even liked it and I have picky eaters. Thank you for the recipe.

    to Ashley J" aria-label='reply to this comment to Ashley J'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      December 16, 2020 at 3:13 am

      Yay! I am so glad you liked it and I LOVE hearing that it was a bit for your picky eaters. Thank you for coming back to leave a comment. 😘

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  13. Jackie

    May 28, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    This was good!

    to Jackie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jackie'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      January 5, 2022 at 9:05 am

      Thank you!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  14. Jessica

    June 7, 2021 at 7:11 am

    I loves Olive Garden soup and he Loved this delicious recipe. this is so wonderful & Mouth watering.

    to Jessica" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jessica'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      October 26, 2021 at 9:21 am

      Thank you!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  15. Mooaz Ali

    June 17, 2021 at 6:23 am

    This is amazing recipe i tried my kids really like it. Thanks for sharing

    to Mooaz Ali" aria-label='reply to this comment to Mooaz Ali'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      June 22, 2021 at 5:39 am

      Yay! I am so happy to hear this Mooaz! It is one of our favorites too!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  16. Owen

    June 26, 2021 at 7:37 am

    Yammy really loves it and my baby also likes it. thanks for this please keep it up

    to Owen" aria-label='reply to this comment to Owen'>reply to this comment
  17. Name Grace

    August 8, 2021 at 5:53 am

    Its really amazing website It really helpful for me Thanks for sharing it

    to Name Grace" aria-label='reply to this comment to Name Grace'>reply to this comment
  18. Bentley

    August 15, 2021 at 6:12 am

    Delicious!! Thank you! I always appreciate your support to make my kitchen always modern!! again thanks for sharing

    to Bentley" aria-label='reply to this comment to Bentley'>reply to this comment
  19. Ava

    August 18, 2021 at 6:07 am

    I really love this idea,,, thanks for sharing

    to Ava" aria-label='reply to this comment to Ava'>reply to this comment
  20. names for Victoria

    September 16, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    really an amazing post thanks for sharing

    to names for Victoria" aria-label='reply to this comment to names for Victoria'>reply to this comment
  21. Victoria

    September 17, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    Wow, Amazing recipe, I would definitely try it

    to Victoria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Victoria'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      September 27, 2021 at 4:32 am

      Great! Hope you like it!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  22. Reese

    September 18, 2021 at 3:25 am

    You guys always helped me in cooking, such an amazing recipe

    to Reese" aria-label='reply to this comment to Reese'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      September 27, 2021 at 4:32 am

      Glad to hear that, thanks!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  23. Elizabeth

    September 18, 2021 at 6:43 am

    You always share some different recipes. thank you

    to Elizabeth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Elizabeth'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      September 27, 2021 at 4:31 am

      You are welcome!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  24. Toni

    October 6, 2021 at 1:25 pm

    Love this one! We make it all the time and play with some of the veggies/beans too!

    to Toni" aria-label='reply to this comment to Toni'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      October 26, 2021 at 8:49 am

      Yay! I love hearing that!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  25. Carla Christian

    October 23, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    DELICIOUS. Made with Banza elbow pasta that I had cooked ahead. Will freeze and gave many meals for later.

    to Carla Christian" aria-label='reply to this comment to Carla Christian'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      October 26, 2021 at 8:27 am

      Awesome! I love hearing that Carla!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  26. Callie

    November 1, 2021 at 11:17 am

    I love this recipe
    November giveaways

    to Callie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Callie'>reply to this comment
  27. Baby Pillow

    November 13, 2021 at 8:41 am

    Fabulous! Super easy, amazing flavor.

    to Baby Pillow" aria-label='reply to this comment to Baby Pillow'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      November 22, 2021 at 9:40 am

      Thank you!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  28. Black Baby

    November 25, 2021 at 12:56 am

    I really enjoy the blog.Really thank you! Fantastic.

    to Black Baby" aria-label='reply to this comment to Black Baby'>reply to this comment
  29. owen

    December 27, 2021 at 8:02 am

    Wow, very interesting

    to owen" aria-label='reply to this comment to owen'>reply to this comment
  30. Bonnie

    January 4, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    Delicious, been making this soup for years, first time with your recipe and it’s right up there with the best. I used V8 with low sodium instead of tomato sauce and it added more flavor to the broth. I mixup the pastas usually using what’s in the pantry, but Ditalini is my favorite. Thx for sharing.

    to Bonnie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Bonnie'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      January 5, 2022 at 8:44 am

      Yum! I’ll have to give it a try with V8 juice sometime..

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  31. Norstrat

    March 29, 2022 at 4:15 am

    It’s a really beautiful and amazing blog post! Thanks for sharing

    to Norstrat" aria-label='reply to this comment to Norstrat'>reply to this comment
  32. grandparents

    December 3, 2022 at 3:29 am

    Great collections just when I’m looking for perfect gift for my Babies. Thanks for sharing this Great

    to grandparents" aria-label='reply to this comment to grandparents'>reply to this comment

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Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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