Recreate the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli at home with this enhanced recipe. This hearty soup features a rich, layered flavor profile, perfectly cooked pasta, and tender beans, making it a satisfying and customizable meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with nutritious ingredients that make for a satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Quick Preparation: With a total prep and cook time of just over an hour, you can enjoy this delicious dish on a busy weeknight.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
- Comforting Flavors: The blend of herbs and spices creates a warm and inviting dish that brings nostalgia with every bite.
Tools and Preparation
To make Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Allows you to stir ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
To recreate this delightful soup, gather the following ingredients:
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Protein (Optional)
- ½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For Serving
- ½ cup ditalini pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How to Make Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
- Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Meat (Optional)
- If using meat, add ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Cook until browned; drain off any excess grease.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste
- Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until combined.
Step 5: Add Broth and Beans
- Pour in chicken broth; bring mixture to a boil.
- Stir in kidney beans and cannellini beans.
Step 6: Simmer
- Reduce heat to low; cover pot and simmer for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
Step 7: Cook Ditalini Pasta
- Add ditalini pasta; cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
- Remove about 1 cup of soup; blend until smooth.
- Return blended soup to the pot; stir well for a creamier texture.
Step 9: Season and Serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls; garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping.
How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Serving your homemade Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate the dining experience. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.
Garnish Suggestions
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil can brighten the dish and add a fresh aroma.
Pairing Options
- Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Toast: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter offers a crunchy contrast to the soup’s creaminess.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in Bowls: Use rustic bowls for a cozy feel, showcasing the vibrant colors of the soup.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil before serving adds an elegant touch and enhances flavor.
How to Perfect Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Perfecting your Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips to achieve a delightful dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preference.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allowing the soup to simmer for an hour deepens the flavors remarkably.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a richer texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
- Cook Pasta al Dente: Ensure pasta is cooked just right to avoid mushiness when added to the soup.
Best Side Dishes for Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with your Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for perfect dipping companions.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add a healthy side option packed with flavor.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide added heartiness and taste.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables balances out the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish.
- Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté the vegetables properly can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to soften onions, carrots, and celery before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow the package directions and add it towards the end of cooking to maintain that perfect al dente texture.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning your soup can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Relying on stale or old ingredients can diminish the quality of your soup. Always aim for fresh produce and herbs for the best results.
- Ignoring Texture Variations: Blending part of the soup for creaminess is optional but recommended. It adds body and richness without compromising the chunky elements of the dish.
- Forgetting Accompaniments: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad. Don’t skip serving options that elevate the meal experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes! Feel free to mix and match beans like black beans or chickpeas based on your preference.
Is this recipe customizable?
Absolutely! You can add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
What sides pair well with this pasta fagioli?
Crusty bread is perfect! Additionally, a light salad complements this hearty soup nicely.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit any meat and consider adding more beans or lentils for protein.
Final Thoughts
This Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe offers a comforting bowl filled with rich flavors that evoke memories of dining out. It’s versatile enough for customization based on personal taste preferences. Whether you stick closely to the recipe or experiment with different ingredients, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy. Give it a try today!
Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Better Than Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a delightful soup that’s perfect for any meal. This hearty dish combines tender beans, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich blend of spices, creating an inviting bowl that warms the soul. It’s easy to customize, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices according to your taste. In just over an hour, you can enjoy this satisfying dish that tastes even better as leftovers. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete experience that brings nostalgia with every bite.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound ground beef (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup ditalini pasta
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.
- If desired, add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste; then add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add kidney beans and cannellini beans; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente; then mix into the soup.
- Optionally blend part of the soup for creaminess before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper; serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Feel free to incorporate extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use additional beans or lentils.