Delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe in 30 Minutes!

If you love Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli, this recipe is for you! It’s a comforting, hearty soup with tender pasta, beans, ground beef, and vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.
Best of all, this version is ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy nights or when you need something satisfying and quick.
The combination of savory ingredients and robust flavors makes this soup a winner every time!
This easy-to-make recipe brings the iconic restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Pasta e Fagioli in no time. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
✔ Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights
✔ Hearty and comforting – Loaded with pasta, beans, and veggies
✔ Flavor-packed – Simmered in a rich, savory broth
✔ Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples to create a satisfying meal
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite herbs or vegetables for a twist
Ingredients for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add the browned ground beef back into the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef broth, and water. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. If you prefer your pasta to have a bit of bite, cook it for less time.
Step 5: Add the Greens
Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad!
Fun Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the meat and use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.
- Add Italian Sausage – Brown some Italian sausage with the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer texture.
Tips for the Best Pasta e Fagioli Soup
✔ For an even deeper flavor, use homemade broth instead of store-bought.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta. Add it toward the end of cooking so it doesn’t become mushy.
✔ If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
✔ Make a double batch and freeze half for later—it tastes even better the next day!
What to Serve with Pasta e Fagioli Soup
🥖 Freshly baked bread or garlic breadsticks
🥗 Simple green salad with Italian dressing
🧀 Extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for topping
🍷 A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
How to Store and Reheat
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This soup freezes well—store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe is a perfect meal when you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and quick.
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a rich and satisfying soup that combines all the comfort of a traditional Italian dish in a convenient, one-pot meal.
Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Let me know how it turns out when you try it! 🍲✨