Some soups are humble by design yet unforgettable in execution. Pasta Fagioli, the beloved Italian classic popularized by Olive Garden, is one of them,rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying without being heavy. This chef-crafted version honors the restaurant favorite while refining the technique for a more balanced, restaurant-quality result at home.

Ingredients List

Olive oil
Yellow onion, finely diced
Carrot, finely diced
Celery stalk, finely diced
Garlic cloves, minced
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes
Chicken or beef broth (low sodium)
Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Ditalini pasta
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking slowly until softened and aromatic.

Brown the Protein

Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until fully browned, then drain excess fat if needed.

Develop the Tomato Depth

Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking until the paste darkens slightly. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cannellini and kidney beans, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cook the Pasta Separately

Boil ditalini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and add to the soup just before serving to preserve texture.

Finish and Season

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf and finish with fresh parsley.

Cook Time

Approximately 45–50 minutes total.

Servings

Serves 6 generously.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 360
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sodium: Varies based on broth and cheese

Storage Instructions

Cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store pasta separately when possible to avoid absorption. Reheat gently over low heat.

Suggestions

Serve with warm breadsticks or crusty Italian bread. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil. A crisp Caesar salad completes the meal beautifully.

Seasonal Relevance

This soup is especially comforting in fall and winter, but its balanced richness makes it suitable year-round as a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

This Pasta Fagioli Soup captures the soul of the Olive Garden classic while elevating it through thoughtful technique. Hearty, flavorful, and deeply comforting, it’s a dish that proves timeless recipes endure for a reason.