Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

The Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe brings the warmth and comfort of Olive Garden’s favorite soup right into your home. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy nights in. With a blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to make. You’ll love how easily you can create a delicious bowl of pasta fagioli that rivals your favorite restaurant version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
• Hearty Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup is filling and nutritious.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize the spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes required since everything is cooked in one pot.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cold winter night or a casual dinner party, this soup impresses every time.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your dish comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together, providing ample space for boiling and simmering.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 lb of Italian sausage with no casing (I prefer it spicy!)
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 2 large sliced carrots
• 3 stalks of thinly sliced celery
• 5 cloves of minced garlic

Broth and Sauces

• 1 32 oz. container of low sodium beef broth
• 1 cup of water
• 2 Tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 32 oz jar of your favorite Marinara sauce (I used Rao’s)
• 2 tsp granulated sugar

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 1/2 tsp minced fresh basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (season to taste)

Beans and Pasta

• 1 16 oz can of red beans
• 1 16 oz can of cannellini beans
• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta

Garnishes

• Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh minced parsley for garnish

How to Make Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large pot over medium-high heat, crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook while stirring until browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté over medium-high heat until tender. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, marinara sauce, granulated sugar, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Add dry ditalini pasta along with water, kidney beans, and cannellini beans to the soup. Cook on low until the pasta is al dente (about 5 more minutes).

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed based on your preference.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Ladle your warm soup into bowls. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

This semi-homemade Italian pasta fagioli recipe combines convenience with delicious flavor, making it an excellent choice for any meal occasion!

How to Serve Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli is a delightful experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance its flavors and create a comforting meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked or toasted crusty bread pairs perfectly. It’s great for dipping into the rich broth.

Topped with Parmesan

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding fresh parsley or basil just before serving.

With a Side Salad

• A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls makes it more inviting, especially for gatherings.

How to Perfect Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Perfecting your Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli will elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out amazing every time:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality marinara sauce and fresh herbs for the best flavor.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup as you cook and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

• Cook Pasta Separately: Consider cooking the ditalini pasta separately if you plan to have leftovers. This prevents it from becoming mushy.

• Let It Sit: Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. This enhances the flavors as they meld together.

• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different beans based on what you have on hand for varied textures.

Best Side Dishes for Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter is always a favorite alongside soups.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing add crunch and zest.

3. Caprese Salad: Slices of tomato and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a fresh taste that complements the soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers roasted until caramelized bring depth to the meal.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with rice and veggies for a filling side that matches well with the flavors of the soup.

6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses provides variety and richness.

7. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cut into cakes can be pan-fried for a crispy texture that pairs well with soup.

8. Herbed Couscous: Light fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs makes an excellent addition to soak up the broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking this delicious Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch for.

• Overcooking the pasta – If you let the ditalini pasta cook too long, it can become mushy. Aim for al dente by adding it towards the end of cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning – Not seasoning your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.
• Using low-quality broth – The broth is crucial for flavor. Opt for a good-quality low sodium beef broth for the best results.
• Skipping the aromatics – Onions, garlic, and herbs are essential for depth of flavor. Don’t rush through this step; sauté them until aromatic.
• Not letting it simmer – Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t skip this step and let your soup simmer covered for at least 10 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Lasts up to 3 days.

Freezing Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave out the pasta until ready to eat.

Reheating Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily modify this recipe by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more beans or vegetables for protein.

What type of beans work best?

Red kidney beans and cannellini beans are traditional choices, but feel free to mix in other varieties like black beans or chickpeas based on your preference.

How do I customize my Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe?

Add extra vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for more nutrients or try different herbs like thyme or oregano based on what you have on hand.

Can I use different kinds of pasta?

Yes! While ditalini is traditional, you can use any small pasta shape you like such as elbow macaroni or mini shells.

Final Thoughts

This Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or available veggies. Give it a try today; it’s perfect for any meal!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Bring the heartwarming essence of Italian cuisine to your dinner table with this Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe. This delicious soup, inspired by the beloved flavors of Olive Garden, combines tender vegetables, savory beans, and hearty pasta in a rich broth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a comforting meal that will satisfy everyone. With just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal cleanup, it’s ideal for busy weeknights. Customize the flavors to suit your preferences and enjoy a bowl of warmth that rivals any restaurant version.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb ground turkey sausage (or chicken)
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 2 large sliced carrots
• 3 stalks thinly sliced celery
• 5 cloves minced garlic
• 32 oz low sodium beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 1 can red kidney beans
• 1 can cannellini beans
• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground turkey sausage until fully cooked.
2. Add chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery; sauté until tender. Stir in minced garlic for another minute.
3. Combine beef broth, water, marinara sauce, granulated sugar, and seasonings; stir well.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Add dry ditalini pasta and canned beans; cook until pasta is al dente (around 5 minutes).
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg