Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (2023)

ByDonna Elick

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Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is a rich and hearty Italian pasta soup that makes plenty for the whole family. Even a small bowl will warm you right up and stick to your bones when the nights are extra chilly!

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (1)

With the perfect balance of ingredients and flavors, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular Olive Garden soups!

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (2)

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

“Pasta e fagioli” translates to “pasta and beans,” and this traditional Italian pasta fagioli recipe has plenty of both!

Ground beef, veggies, white and red beans, and plenty of Italian seasonings simmer together in a rich tomato broth.

Then, freshly cooked ditalini is added right at the end to make this dish even more filling.

Craving more homemade versions of your favorite Olive Garden soups?

I’ve got stovetop and Instant Pot versions of their Zuppa Toscana, as well as a creamy chicken and gnocchi and chicken parmigiana.

Add a big bowl of salad and some breadsticks and you’ll never need takeout again!

(Video) Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli - RIPOFF RECIPE

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Ground beef – This Italian pasta soup would be equally as delicious with ground sausage, turkey, or chicken!
  • Tomatoes – San Marzano canned tomatoes are less acidic than other varieties, or you can stir in a teaspoon of granulated sugar if the soup is too acidic.

    For a little spice, try diced tomatoes with jalapenos or chiles.

  • Beans – Using the liquid from the cans adds plenty of flavor, but it can also add a lot of sodium!

    If you’re concerned about salt content, give the beans a rinse and increase the amount of stock and tomato sauce instead.

  • Pasta – Ditalini is a short, round noodle shaped like a tube.

    While it’s the classic choice for a traditional Italian pasta fagioli recipe, orzo or macaroni will work in a pinch.

    Whatever you choose, cook the pasta separately! It allows you to add just the right amount and ensures the noodles don’t become too soggy.

  • Beef stock – You can substitute chicken stock or even water if you prefer. The beef stock just adds a really nice richness to the soup.
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How To Make Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

Start by browning the meat. Add in the base of vegetables and saute until softened.

Drain off any excess fat, then stir in all of the remaining ingredients except for the noodles.

While that simmers, boil the ditalini in salted water according to package directions. Then, drain and stir into the soup just before serving.

Sprinkle some chopped herbs like parsley or basil over the top or grate a little bit of fresh Parmesan or Romano if you’d like!

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Storing and Reheating Pasta Fagioli from Olive Garden

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

I wouldn’t recommend freezing Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli once everything is combined.

Soups with pasta don’t tend to hold up well once they’ve been thawed and reheated.

However, you can freeze the soup base for up to 3 months and add freshly cooked ditalini just before serving.

FAQ – Common Recipe Questions

What’s the difference between Olive Garden pasta fagioli and minestrone?

While the two are very similar, minestrone contains a wide variety of vegetables while Olive Garden pasta fagioli soup features more beans and noodles.

It also has a much thicker texture, almost like stew, and a stronger tomato flavor.

Does pasta fagioli contain meat?

Yes. This pasta fagioli Olive Garden recipe contains ground beef. It adds plenty of protein and flavor, plus it helps make the soup extra hearty.

Other versions may use a different variety of ground meat, and some include bacon or pancetta.

For a vegetarian version, substitute chopped mushrooms or simply omit the meat altogether.

Can I make this pasta fagioli Olive Garden recipe in the crockpot?

Sure! The steps are the same, but you’ll combine everything in the slow cooker instead of on the stove.

(Video) How to make OLIVE GARDEN'S | Pasta e Fagioli

I still recommended browning the meat and veggies first. You can do this ahead of time, so all you have to do is set it and forget it!

Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-7 hours, and stir in the cooked ditalini just before serving.

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Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (8)
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (9)
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (10)
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (11)

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Olive Garden Pasta Fagiolo

Donna Elick

This copycat Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is rich, hearty, and makes plenty for the whole family. Warm yourself up with a bowl of this soup tonight!

5 stars from 3 reviews

Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

(Video) Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe | Italian Olive Garden Recipe

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Method Stovetop

Servings 10 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, optional
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 3 medium tomatoes, diced or 1- 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes (including the juices)
  • 15 ounce can white beans, undrained
  • 15 ounce can red kidney beans, undrained
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta, cooked (cook and drain separately)
  • Parsley, basil, oregano, and/or thyme for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  • In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef until no pink remains.

  • Add onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot and continue cooking over medium heat until onions are soft. (If there is not enough fat in the pan from cooking the ground beef, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to aid in sauteeing the vegetables.)

  • Drain the meat and vegetables of any excess fat.

    (Video) Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat Recipe

  • Add the carrots, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Once the soup has simmered at least 15 minutes, remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta.

  • Serve with fresh herbs for garnish.

Donna’s Notes

Use diced tomatoes with jalapenos or chiles for a little spice in the soup.

You can substitute chicken broth or even water for the beef broth, but I like the richness from the beef broth.

If the soup is too acidic, add a teaspoon of granulated sugar.

Add salt and pepper as needed to season.

This is a nice, thick soup – almost chili consistency. You can add more broth if you’d like a runnier soup, but it’s really great as a thick, hearty soup.

Try ground sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken instead of the ground beef!

Cooking the pasta separately allows you to adjust how much much pasta you’re adding without losing any of the liquid content and it also prevents the noodles from becoming soggy in the soup.

Store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 302cal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 542mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 7g | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 4mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli (13)

Originally published December 2021, updated and republished January 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate linkyour price will remain the sameand The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

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(Video) How to Make the Most Comforting Pasta e Fagioli

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FAQs

What is a serving size of pasta fagioli? ›

1/8 recipe

How many carbs are in a bowl of pasta fagioli from Olive Garden? ›

Nutrition Facts
Calories 150(628 kJ)
Total Carbohydrate16 g5%
Dietary Fiber3 g12%
Sugars4 g
Protein8 g
7 more rows

What are the macros of pasta fagioli from Olive Garden? ›

Power Recipe Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup (1 serving) contains 32g total carbs, 23g net carbs, 3g fat, 19g protein, and 238 calories.

How many calories in a bowl of Olive Garden pasta fagioli soup? ›

There are 150 calories in 1 serving of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Is one serving of pasta enough? ›

When you cook pasta, 2 ounces (56 g) of dry pasta per person is a good rule of thumb to follow.

What is one serving of Olive Garden soup? ›

The serving size for all soups is 8 fluid ounces. ToGo orders receive 16 fluid ounces.

Is pasta fagioli low carb? ›

Campbell's Pasta Fagioli (240 ml) contains 18g total carbs, 15g net carbs, 0.5g fat, 4g protein, and 90 calories.

How many calories are in a bowl of pasta fagioli soup? ›

Carrabba's Italian Grill Pasta Fagioli Soup Bowl (1 serving) contains 29g total carbs, 26g net carbs, 42g fat, 14g protein, and 530 calories.

How many calories are in Fagioli soup? ›

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 276 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.

What is the highest calorie food at Olive Garden? ›

"Meatball Pizza Bowl is one of the highest calorie options. It's also the second-highest in total fat with 56 grams and 29 grams of saturated fat," says McGrane. Even more worrisome about this meal is its sodium content—it exceeds the recommended daily allowance of 2,300 milligrams.

How many carbs are in Olive Garden pasta e fagioli soup? ›

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli (1 serving) contains 21g total carbs, 17g net carbs, 6g fat, 9g protein, and 180 calories.

Does pasta fagioli contain meat? ›

Does Pasta e Fagioli have meat? Yes, it can, but the meat is not typically the featured ingredient. Many pasta e fagioli recipes use bacon or pancetta for flavoring the soup, or may contain Italian sausage or ground beef. You can also prepare a vegetarian version of the soup, omitting the meat altogether.

How many calories is each breadstick at Olive Garden? ›

140 cal. Enjoy a freshly-baked, Olive Garden Favorite.

Is Olive Gardens Soup healthy? ›

The soup is free of mold-promoting ingredients, so it is a good choice to include as part of a healthy diet. In addition, it is a filling meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a salad or entrée. It is a nutritious and delicious option for anyone who is looking for a healthy meal at Olive Garden.

How many servings are in Olive Garden soup? ›

Half-Gallon Soups (Serves 6) | Lunch & Dinner Menu | Olive Garden Italian Restaurant.

Is half a cup of pasta enough for one person? ›

One serving of cooked pasta is typically 1 to 1 1/2 cups, but keep in mind that you'll likely be bulking up your dish with sauce and other extras like veggies or proteins. To determine how many cups to measure, home cooks can use Barilla's handy chart.

How do you count a serving of pasta? ›

According to the USDA, the proper pasta portion is 2 ounces. If you're making longer noodles (think spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine), you can measure the right amount by holding the pasta up to a quarter. Once a bunch of noodles equals the diameter of the coin, you have the recommended 2 ounces. Put it in your palm.

How much pasta do I need for 2 meals? ›

If you're having pasta as your main meal, we'd suggest the following quantities: 100g of dried pasta per person. 120g of fresh pasta per person.

How many cups is 2 servings of soup? ›

A 14.5-ounce can of ready-to-heat-and-serve soup makes 2 servings (1 cup each). If you choose a soup that is broth- or tomato-based and has no more than 5 grams of fat per cup, you'll consume only about 250 calories -- even if you eat the entire can yourself.

Do you get unlimited soup with entree at Olive Garden? ›

Enjoy Never-Ending servings of our famous breadsticks, garden fresh salad and homemade soup. Made fresh daily at a price you'll love. *Never-Ending refills of Soup, Salad & Breadsticks available dine-in only.

What is Olive Garden's most popular soup? ›

Zuppa Toscana is Olive Garden's most popular soup. This one-pot, homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe is hearty and loaded with Italian sausage, kale, bacon and potatoes. Some of our most popular recipes are restaurant copycat recipes like Creamy Shrimp Pasta and of course Chicken Madeira!

What is the most famous Italian soup? ›

Minestrone is the ubiquitous Italian soup, made up of different kinds of seasonal chopped vegetables often paired with potatoes, beans and mushrooms. They're always lightly cooked so they retain a little bite, which helps make the broth more substantial.

Does pasta break ketosis? ›

Traditional pasta made from wheat flour is not keto friendly, but there are so many keto pasta alternatives out there. (Get the full background on the keto diet here and the full low carb food list here.) There's no reason to give up pasta all together, just make sure you're choosing a keto pasta recipe.

Can I freeze pasta fagioli soup? ›

The soup, once cooled, can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. The soup can also be frozen, either in a large batch or in individual portions, for up to 3 months. Defrost the soup overnight in the fridge before using and use within 24 hours of defrosting.

Is bowl of soup healthy? ›

When prepared with the right ingredients, soup can be a truly healthy dish with multiple nutritional benefits. For example, soups made with bone-, vegetable-, or meat-based broths provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, such as collagen.

How many calories are in a bowl of pasta at Olive Garden? ›

There are 635 calories in a 1 serving (525.000g) serving size of OLIVE GARDEN, spaghetti with meat sauce. The calorie breakdown is 24% fat, 57% carbs, and 19% protein.

How many calories are in a bowl of Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup? ›

220 cal. Spicy Italian sausage, fresh kale and russet potatoes in a creamy broth.

How many calories are in 3 bean soup? ›

Asda Three-bean Soup (1 serving) contains 11.3g total carbs, 7.9g net carbs, 0.5g fat, 3.4g protein, and 56 calories.

How many calories are in a bowl of 15 bean soup? ›

Nutritional Information.

Here's the nutritional breakdown for 1 cup of this hearty soup: With ham and chicken broth. 175 calories, 2g fat, 381mg sodium, 27.4g carbs, 6.8g fiber, 3.8g sugars, 11.8g protein.

How many calories are in a bowl of vegetable broth soup? ›

Vegetable Broth (1 cup) contains 1.9g total carbs, 1.9g net carbs, 0.2g fat, 2.1g protein, and 17 calories.

Is Olive Garden calories accurate? ›

And we weighed each serving. We tested the same items from three restaurants in each chain. The good news is that most dishes told the truth. Olive Garden's Lasagna Primavera with Grilled Chicken was one of only two dishes with calories or fat content higher than the restaurant's website said at all three locations.

Does Olive Garden have a lighter menu? ›

Healthier menu choices at Olive Garden. Olive Garden's healthiest meals come from their Lighter Italian Fare menu. Olive Garden claims that their Lighter Italian Fare menu items are inspired by Italy's Mediterranean Coast where the diet is primarily vegetables, whole grains, herbs and spices, and olive oil.

What food has the most calories per serving size? ›

Examples include butter, oils, salad dressings, sugar, nuts, seeds, dry bread, dry cereal, crackers, egg yolk, avocado, dried fruit, red meat, and yes, Egg Muffins and pizza. As you can see from the chart below, oils are the most calorie-dense foods on the planet.

How many carbs are in one breadstick from Olive Garden? ›

Olive Garden Breadstick (1 serving) contains 25g total carbs, 24g net carbs, 2.5g fat, 4g protein, and 140 calories.

How many carbs are in a bowl of Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup? ›

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup (1 Serving) contains 15g total carbs, 13g net carbs, 15g fat, 7g protein, and 220 calories.

What are the 4 Olive Garden soups? ›

Introducing all four Soup Recipes From Olive Garden: Zuppa Toscana, Chicken and Gnocchi, Pasta e Fagioli and Olive Garden Minestrone Soup.

Does Olive Garden cook their pasta? ›

The pasta is not cooked to-order. The pasta at Olive Garden isn't frozen or microwaved, but it is prepared in advance of service. In a Quora thread, one server explained the process: "The pasta is precooked in the morning and given an ice bath while it's still al dente.

What is the difference between pasta fagioli and pasta fazool? ›

To sum it up, pasta e fagioli feels more like a vegetable and bean soup, whereas the Italian American pasta fazool created by southern Italian immigrants features a "broth" that's more like a marinara sauce (made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion, and seasonings), along with ample helpings of white beans ...

How many calories in a bowl of salad at Olive Garden? ›

290 cal. Our Famous House Salad served with our signature Italian dressing (served on the side).

How many calories should I eat a day? ›

How many calories should I eat a day? Adult females need anywhere from 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day and adult males need anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 calories a day, according to the USDA's latest “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” report released in 2020.

How many breadsticks is unlimited at Olive Garden? ›

Olive Garden does have a policy on breadsticks. Typically, a server is supposed to bring one stick per person plus one extra for the first basket. After that, the rule of thumb is one breadstick per person.

Does Olive Garden make their soup homemade? ›

Our soup and sauce masters create dishes by hand and from scratch, every day. With fresh, whole ingredients like kale, peppers and squash. Because they know cooking that way – the Italian way- everything tastes better.

What is the best low calorie soup at Olive Garden? ›

The lowest calorie soup at Olive Garden is the Minestrone which has just 110 calories.

How much soup do you serve per person? ›

The average soup serving as a side dish is between 3/4 and 1 cup. When the soup is served as the main course, plan on about 1 1/2 cups per person.

How much soup can be served in a bowl? ›

Soup bowls hold 8–12 ounces on average. Soup cups hold approximately 4 ounces. Underplates help protect the table from heat and balance the place setting. All bowls, even ones with saucers, should be placed on an underplate.

What is a meal size serving of soup? ›

Generally speaking, a single serving of soup is considered to be about 1 and a half cups. If the soup is a cream or puréed soup, it may be a bit thicker, so the serving size will be smaller. For broth-based soups such as chicken noodle or beef vegetable, you will likely want to aim for 2 cups per serving.

What is a normal serving size of pasta? ›

What is a recommended serving size, and is this for cooked or uncooked pasta? The recommended serving size is 2 ounces of uncooked pasta, which equals approximately 1 cup of cooked pasta.

How much pasta is per serving? ›

A single serving size of pasta is typically about two ounces of dry pasta—amounting to about a cup of cooked pasta.

What is a serving size of pasta in Italy? ›

When it comes to eating pasta, Italians are very measurement conscious. And it's a very easy formula to follow: 100 grams (3-1/2 ounces) or less of pasta per person. It is never a heaping portion like one you would expect in the States.”

How many servings is 4 oz of pasta? ›

- Medium pasta (such as rigatoni or mostaccioli): Four ounces measures about 3 cups. You'll have about 3 cups of cooked pasta, enough for 3 servings.

How many cups of pasta is enough for one person? ›

One serving of cooked pasta is typically 1 to 1 1/2 cups, but keep in mind that you'll likely be bulking up your dish with sauce and other extras like veggies or proteins.

How do you calculate pasta portions? ›

Here's how to do it: Take your pointer finger and thumb and make a circle, then shrink it small enough that it's roughly the size of a quarter. Then push the pasta in between your fingers, and whatever fits is a single serving. Now you can easily measure out pasta for one, two, or a whole crowd.

How many cups of pasta do I need for 2 people? ›

If you are using measuring cups, a single 2 oz. (57 g) serving is 3/4 cup of dried pasta. Two servings = 1 1/2 cups; four servings = 3 cups; six servings = 4 1/2 cups; eight servings = 6 cups.

How much is 2 oz of pasta? ›

Two ounces of dry pasta is equal to 1/2 cup dry, which boils up to be 1 1/2 cup cooked, or a heaped 1 cup.

Is 4 cups of pasta a lot? ›

For long pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine and fettuccine, a 1-1/2-in.
...
Dry pasta guidelines.
Type of PastaUncooked AmountCooked Amount
Egg Noodle4 cups/8 oz.4 cups
Elbow Macaroni2 cups/8 oz.4 cups
Fettuccine8 oz.3-1/4 cups
Linguine8 oz.4 cups
9 more rows
Jun 17, 2019

How many cups of pasta is 2 oz? ›

But generally, 2 ounces of dry pasta like penne or bow tie is about 1/2 cup. Once cooked, that amount yields 1 to 11/4 cups.

What are the 4 food rules in Italy? ›

We'll give you one well-known supposed rule that you can toss right out the window.
  • Wait for the “Buon appetito!” ...
  • No underhanded pouring. ...
  • Mind the toasting etiquette. ...
  • It's rarely okay to share. ...
  • Bring the kids, even if it's late. ...
  • That bread isn't for dipping. ...
  • They'll decide if you need cheese with that pasta.

Who eats more pasta Americans or Italians? ›

Global Consumer Survey. According to the Statista Global Consumer Survey, 55 percent of respondents from the U.S. say they eat pasta regularly. But that's nothing compared to the European home of pasta, Italy, 81 percent of which regularly have pasta on their daily menu.

What times do Italians eat their meals? ›

“Here's how to eat on an Italian schedule: we eat colazione (breakfast) as we get up, pranzo (lunch) in between 12.30 and 2 pm, merenda (afternoon snack) in between 4 and 5 pm, and cena (dinner) in between 7 and 8.30 pm…”

Is 2 oz of pasta enough? ›

According to the USDA, the proper pasta portion is 2 ounces. If you're making longer noodles (think spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine), you can measure the right amount by holding the pasta up to a quarter. Once a bunch of noodles equals the diameter of the coin, you have the recommended 2 ounces. Put it in your palm.

Is 1lb of pasta enough for 4 people? ›

Most recipes call for one pound of pasta — which is a standard box or bag — to serve four to six people.

How much does 8 oz of pasta serve? ›

Editor's Note: All uncooked pasta should equal 8 ounces. For those noodles that can fit into measuring cups, we've provided the cup measurement. These numbers are for packaged and dry pasta, which contains about 6 servings.

Videos

1. Better than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup | Household Favorite
(Cooking with Honey)
2. how to make olive garden pasta fagioli
(Geek Eats TV)
3. Instant Pot Pasta Fagioli Olive Garden Copycat | Pasta Fagioli with Sausage | Foodies Terminal
(Foodies Terminal)
4. Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup Copycat Recipe
(Cooking Classy)
5. Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)
(Favorite Family Recipes)
6. Pasta e Fagioli | Better than Olive Garden's |
(Cooking with Honey)

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