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. 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 can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty beans creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Nutritious Choice: With protein and fiber from the beans and veggies, this dish is both filling and healthy.
- Versatile Meal: Great as a main course or served as an appetizer; it suits various occasions.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chopping board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for cutting vegetables safely.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and efficient chopping of ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Broth and Beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can red kidney beans (14 oz, drained)
- 1 can cannellini beans (14 oz, drained)
- 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 soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Break it apart with your wooden spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 8–10 minutes until tender.
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 to allow some steam to escape.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked ditalini pasta to the pot. Simmer until tender (about 15–20 minutes), stirring 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 is all about enhancing the experience. This hearty soup pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that can elevate your meal. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of cheese brings creaminess and depth to each bowl.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing complements the flavors beautifully.
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
To make your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli even more delicious, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure that every bowl is packed with flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies enhance the taste and nutrition of the soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to add more herbs or spices based on personal preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For leftovers, cook pasta separately to maintain its texture when reheating.
- Add Extra Beans: Boost protein and fiber by adding an extra can of beans for heartiness.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your mealtime experience. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful soup.
- Garlic Knots: Soft knots brushed with garlic butter are great for dipping.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses adds variety.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection bring color and nutrients to your meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil makes a tasty appetizer.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips is perfect for sharing before the main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Sauté: Not sautéing your vegetables properly can lead to a lack of flavor in your soup. Always sauté until they are tender and fragrant.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will result in a mushy texture. Add it towards the end and check for doneness frequently.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season your dish can make it bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Using Canned Beans Without Rinsing: Rinsing canned beans helps remove excess sodium and improves flavor. Always drain and rinse before adding them to your soup.
- Not Letting it Simmer: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing. Allow adequate time for all ingredients to meld together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heating until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli that you may find helpful.
How can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?
You can substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Can I use different types of beans in my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different beans such as black beans or pinto beans for added variety and flavor.
What is the best way to 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 up to 2 months.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A splash of vinegar just before serving also brightens the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe offers warmth and heartiness perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows for customization with various vegetables and herbs, making it easy to adapt based on personal preferences. Give this comforting dish a try; it might just become a staple in your home!
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a delightful Italian-American soup that transforms your kitchen into a cozy eatery. This hearty dish combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and nutritious beans in a rich broth, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. With its protein-packed ingredients and fiber-rich beans, this soup is both filling and healthy. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can red kidney beans (14 oz, drained)
- 1 can cannellini beans (14 oz, drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic; sauté for about 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
- Add uncooked ditalini pasta; simmer until tender (about 15–20 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Feel free to mix in different types of beans based on your preference for added variety. To enhance texture when reheating leftovers, cook pasta separately.