Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Save this recipe on:

When cozy comfort is calling, nothing beats a hearty bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. This beloved Italian-American soup blends savory ground beef, tender pasta, hearty beans, and a tomato-rich broth—all simmered with veggies and herbs to perfection. It’s a soul-warming, filling meal that mirrors the iconic version served at Olive Garden.

Whether you’re craving something warm for a chilly night or planning an easy dinner that feeds a crowd, this copycat Pasta e Fagioli recipe delivers restaurant-level satisfaction in your own kitchen. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

The classic choice for Pasta e Fagioli is ditalini pasta. These small, tube-shaped noodles cook quickly and hold up perfectly in soups. You could also substitute with elbow macaroni or small shells in a pinch, but ditalini brings the most authentic touch.

---

Ingredients for the Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Ground Beef: Adds a rich, meaty base to the soup that makes it incredibly satisfying.

Onion, Carrot & Celery: This trio is essential for creating a deep, aromatic flavor base. Dice them small so they meld into the soup.

Garlic: A must-have for that warm, savory depth.

Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These provide the hearty tomato base that gives the soup its comforting richness.

Beef Broth: Enhances the savory profile and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Ditalini Pasta: Traditional and ideal for soaking up the broth without getting mushy.

Red Kidney Beans & Cannellini Beans: These add texture, protein, and earthy flavor. Drain and rinse before using.

Italian Seasoning & Fresh Parsley: Adds that classic herbaceous Italian flavor we all love.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the soup to taste.

---

How To Make the Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in both kinds of beans. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the soup simmers, cook ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

When ready to serve, add the cooked pasta directly to the bowls (rather than the whole pot) to avoid overcooking. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.

---

How to Serve and Store Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serve this soup hot, ideally with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a slice of warm crusty bread or garlic toast. It’s also a great candidate for pairing with a light salad to round out the meal.

To store, allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Keep the pasta and soup separate when refrigerating to avoid mushy leftovers. Both can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen (separately) for up to 3 months.

---

What to Serve With Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Garlic Breadsticks

Soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned—you can never go wrong with a side of garlic breadsticks.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balances the richness of the soup.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

These cheesy roasted spuds are a comforting side dish with the same Italian flair. Try them here

Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken

For something heartier to serve on the side, this rich chicken dish is a reader favorite. See the recipe

Cheeseburger Soup

Make it a soup night with a creamy counterpart to Pasta e Fagioli. Check it out

---

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Italian classic, you’ll definitely enjoy these comforting favorites:

• Cheeseburger Soup for something creamy and filling.
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with a luscious cheesy base.
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings if you’re craving homestyle flavor.
• Cabbage Fat Burning Soup for a healthier twist.
• Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup to warm you on cold days.

---

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a spicy sausage swap or extra veggies? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: