Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Indulge in the warmth and comforting flavors of this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe, a delightful Italian-American soup that brings restaurant-quality dining straight to your kitchen. Loaded with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and hearty beans simmered in a rich broth, this dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. It’s not just filling; it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. Easy to prepare in about 40 minutes, this pasta e fagioli will quickly become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and lean beef, it’s a wholesome meal option.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: Rich broth combined with fresh vegetables creates a deliciously comforting dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize the veggies or use different types of beans based on what you have at home.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it an ideal choice for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures quick and precise cuts for all your ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.

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Ingredients

For the Meat & Beans

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can red kidney beans (14 oz, drained)
• 1 can cannellini beans (14 oz, drained)

For the Vegetables

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 sticks celery (chopped finely)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth & Seasoning

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
• 4 cups chicken broth

For the Pasta

• 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic; sauté for about 8–10 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes; bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked ditalini pasta and simmer until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and texture.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for a creamy finish that complements the dish beautifully.

Paired with Salad

• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad on the side adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

As a Main Dish

• In a Bowl: Serve it in deep bowls as the main course, ensuring everyone can enjoy a generous portion.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can make all the difference in taste and presentation. Here are some tips to help you achieve that restaurant-quality flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible to enhance flavor.

• Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer than instructed for deeper flavors to develop.

• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking ditalini pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy when storing leftovers.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings, including salt and pepper, before serving for personalized flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complement your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with these delightful side dishes. Each one pairs well with the soup, enhancing your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that contrasts nicely with the soup.
3. Bruschetta: Tomato bruschetta offers a fresh, tangy note that brightens your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy side filled with flavor.
5. Caprese Skewers: These skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are light and refreshing.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant pairing with hearty pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create a delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful broth. Make sure to cook it until it’s well-browned for the best taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta too long can make it mushy. Instead, add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately can result in a bland dish. Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans can add excess sodium and affect flavor. Always rinse and drain them before adding to your soup.
• Forgetting about fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate your dish significantly. Whenever possible, add fresh basil or parsley for enhanced flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• This soup freezes well; use freezer-safe containers for best results.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

How can I make my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli thicker?

You can thicken your soup by reducing the amount of broth or adding more beans. Pureeing a portion of the soup and mixing it back in also helps.

Can I substitute ground beef in Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken serves as great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option while maintaining flavor.

How do I store leftovers of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

What sides go well with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

A fresh salad or warm breadsticks complement this dish perfectly, enhancing your dining experience.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned ones?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like diced tomatoes and beans can enhance the freshness and flavor of your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices based on your preferences. Try this recipe for your next family meal or cozy night; it’s sure to become a favorite!