Olive Garden’s famous Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or a rainy day. This hearty soup combines delicious flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it a wholesome meal that warms the soul. It’s easy to prepare, versatile for any occasion, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Enjoy this copycat version at home with family or friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few steps, you can prepare this delicious soup in under 35 minutes.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this recipe is loaded with fiber and protein.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or appetizer; it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like cheese or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Healthy Comfort Food: A guilt-free way to savor the rich flavors of traditional Italian cuisine.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these essential tools to make your preparation smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cooking spray
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering soups, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cutting board & knife: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or large ringed pasta
- 8 oz of sweet Italian turkey sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Spray a large Dutch oven with cooking spray.
- Heat over medium-high heat.
- Add sweet Italian turkey sausage to the skillet.
- Cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Stir in minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook while stirring occasionally until tender, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Whisk in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes.
- Add dried basil, oregano, thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered until vegetables are tender (about 10–15 minutes).
Step 4: Add Pasta and Beans
- Stir in uncooked pasta and both types of beans.
- Cook until heated through.
This Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli serves up comfort in every bowl! Enjoy it on its own or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Serve Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful soup.
Classic Toppings
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top for a rich, savory flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty whole grain bread for dipping.
- Salad: Pair with a mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for added crunch.
Extra Protein
- Grilled Chicken: For an extra protein boost, top the soup with sliced grilled chicken breast.
- Turkey Meatballs: Add some homemade turkey meatballs for a satisfying twist.
How to Perfect Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
To elevate your Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and herbs for the best taste and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed to suit your palate.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent overcooking.
- Add Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
Best Side Dishes for Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Complement your Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli with these delicious side dishes that balance flavors and textures.
- Garlic Bread: A classic companion; easy to prepare by spreading garlic butter on bread and toasting it until golden.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and roasted until tender add great flavor.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with a light Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted baguette topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil makes for a tasty appetizer.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide a nutritious side option.
- Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that pairs well with the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as you go.
- Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it stays al dente.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients – Using stale or old vegetables can diminish the soup’s taste. Always use fresh produce for the best results.
- Ignoring the broth quality – A low-quality broth can impact the overall flavor of your soup. Use a good-quality chicken broth or homemade version for richer taste.
- Not allowing enough simmer time – Rushing through cooking won’t allow flavors to meld properly. Let your soup simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to enhance its taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in a covered oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli.
Can I use other types of pasta for Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?
Yes! You can substitute ditalini pasta with any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or even whole wheat versions for added fiber.
How can I make Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the turkey sausage and add more beans or vegetables for protein. You could also substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What toppings work well with Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?
Great toppings include fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of grated cheese. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
How do I store leftover Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add more vegetables to my Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate any vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings according to your preference. Perfect for chilly nights, this hearty soup is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try making it today!
Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Indulge in the warmth of this Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli, a comforting Italian-inspired soup that combines hearty turkey sausage, nutritious beans, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and health benefits. You can whip it up in under 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings with family and friends. With customizable toppings and a wholesome base, this recipe offers a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic favorite while staying mindful of your health.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or large ringed pasta
- 8 oz of sweet Italian turkey sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, spray cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Add the sweet Italian turkey sausage and cook until browned (3-5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Whisk in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes; add dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked pasta and both types of beans. Cook until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use fresh vegetables for optimal flavor. Adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences. For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey sausage and use vegetable broth.
