Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden

Growing up, I remember chilly Sunday nights when Mom would recreate our favorite comfort foods right in our little North Carolina kitchen. One standout? Her version of Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden style. I’d sit by the stove, wrapped in a quilt, watching her stir that pot of simmering beans, pasta, and tomato broth. It smelled like home—hearty, garlicky, and full of love. That’s what I want to bring you here today: not just another copycat recipe, but a warm, deeply satisfying bowl that wraps you up like your favorite sweater.

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden inspired recipe is the kind of dish that turns even a regular Tuesday into a little celebration. It’s perfect for those cozy dinners when you’re craving something filling but still want to keep things simple. One bite and you’ll taste why this restaurant favorite has earned its spot at the table in so many American homes.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden style recipe checks all the boxes: bold flavor, cozy comfort, and effortless prep. It tastes just like the restaurant version—only better, because it’s homemade.

You’ll love how the vegetables, beans, and pasta soak up the savory tomato broth. Every spoonful is rich, garlicky, and satisfying. It’s the kind of soup that warms you down to your bones.

It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden copycat is the dependable choice.

This dish is also incredibly forgiving. You can swap in your favorite beans or pasta shape without losing that iconic flavor. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.

When you’re craving a hearty bowl of soup without breaking the bank, this Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden recipe is your go-to comfort food hero.

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Ingredient Overview

This soup delivers the flavor punch you expect from Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden, built from everyday pantry staples and fresh aromatics.

• Olive Oil: A smooth base for sautéing veggies and infusing depth.

• Onions, Carrots & Garlic: These aromatic staples form the savory backbone of the broth.

• Beans: Cannellini and kidney beans bring protein and creamy texture—just like Olive Garden does.

• Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: A rich, tangy tomato base makes this soup irresistibly hearty.

• Vegetable Broth: Enhances flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

• Dried Pasta: Use ditalini or elbow pasta—small shapes that soak up the broth perfectly. Undercook slightly to avoid mush.

• Italian Herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): Add that signature Olive Garden seasoning blend.

• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle earthy flavor; be sure to remove before serving.

• Red Pepper Flakes & Black Pepper: Just a pinch for a gentle kick.

Garnish with fresh parsley or a parmesan cheese rind while simmering for even more restaurant-style flavor.

Pro styling tip: Serve with a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of shaved parmesan for a bistro-style finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and softened. This is where the flavor base of our Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden begins.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, and a blend of dried basil, oregano, parsley, and a bay leaf. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste. This seasoned broth is what makes Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden so bold and comforting.

Step 3: Add the Beans

Drain and rinse both the cannellini and red kidney beans. Add them to the pot and stir to combine. The hearty texture of beans is a staple in any true Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden copycat.

Step 4: Bring It to a Boil

Cover the pot and increase heat to high. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it comes to a gentle boil (about 10 minutes), uncover and reduce the heat to medium.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Stir in your dry ditalini or small pasta shape. Cook for half the time recommended on the pasta package—this step is key. Undercooked pasta ensures your Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden doesn’t get mushy, even in leftovers.

Tip: You can always cook the pasta separately if you’re meal-prepping or want firmer texture.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Let the soup simmer gently until the pasta is al dente and the broth is rich. Remove the bay leaf before serving. At this point, your kitchen will smell exactly like an Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup daydream.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. You can stir in more broth or water if the soup thickens too much—Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden is best when it’s brothy and hearty.

Step 8: Serve with Love

Ladle into bowls, top with parmesan, and enjoy. Pair it with warm bread or a crisp green salad. That’s how we do it in our kitchen—and how they do it at Olive Garden, too.

Pro Tips

Want that signature Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden flavor every time? These tips will help you get there, no matter how busy your week looks.

Use a parmesan rind for richness. Drop it in while the soup simmers and let the magic happen—it’s a secret weapon in this Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden favorite.

Undercook the pasta. Whether on the stovetop or crockpot, stop cooking your pasta when it’s still a little firm. It will finish cooking in the broth and keep your Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden bowl from turning into mush.

Chop ahead of time. Dice onions, garlic, and carrots the night before and store them in the fridge. That way, your Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden comes together in no time.

Add beans last if meal prepping. For longer fridge life, stir in your beans and pasta just before reheating. This keeps everything fresh and flavorful in your Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden leftovers.

Double the batch and freeze it. The broth and veggies freeze beautifully. Just cook the pasta separately when you’re ready to serve for that perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden texture.

You can also explore more comforting soup ideas in our Fall Soup Recipe for seasonal inspiration.

Variations

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to make it your own.

Go gluten-free. Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just watch the cook time carefully to keep that Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden feel.

Add ground beef or turkey. For a heartier meal, brown a half pound of meat and add it with the broth. That’s how the original Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden gets its meaty bite.

Make it vegan. Use veggie broth and skip the cheese rind. You’ll still get all the depth and richness this Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden recipe is known for.

Switch the beans. No cannellini? Try great northern or navy beans. They’re equally creamy and pair well with this Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden copycat base.

Try fresh tomatoes. In the summer months, use chopped fresh tomatoes instead of canned. This adds brightness to your Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden pot.

We also love pairing tomato-forward soups with this Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes for a garden-fresh combo night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There’s something so soul-soothing about a bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden served steaming hot on a cool night. For the full Italian-American dinner experience, pair it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or buttery breadsticks. A big Caesar salad adds that crisp, refreshing contrast. And if you’re hosting a cozy dinner party? Pour a glass of red wine and offer a simple caprese platter as a starter—it’s a classic. I love serving this Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden style recipe alongside rustic dishes like our Fall Dinner Party Menu Ideas to make any meal feel special.

Conclusion

There’s real comfort in stirring a big pot of Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden copycat on the stove, letting the aroma fill your kitchen and call everyone to the table. It’s not just dinner—it’s connection. It’s one of those recipes that brings together flavor, simplicity, and a little nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re new to home cooking or seasoned with love, this Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden recipe delivers time and time again. And if this cozy soup speaks to you, don’t miss our seasonal roundup of Fall Soup Recipes to keep those warm bowls coming all season long.

Try this Pasta Fagioli Soup Olive Garden recipe and let it become part of your home-cooked rotation. I’d love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen—drop a comment, share your twist, or tag your bowl on Pinterest (opens in new tab). This community thrives on flavor and stories, so let’s keep cooking together.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!