Love restaurant-style comfort food? This copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli delivers everything you want in a bowl — it’s a hearty, quick dinner packed with ground beef, beans, pasta, and rich Italian flavors. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Its standout qualities include ease of preparation and comforting flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total cooking time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest eaters.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite beans or vegetables for a personal touch.
- Family-Friendly: The comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup; it allows enough space for all ingredients to blend together nicely.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring efficiency while prepping.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping quicker and safer, helping you prepare ingredients with ease.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
For the Beans and Pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Cook Garlic & Beef
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Broth
Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Cook Ditalini Pasta
Meanwhile, cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente according to package directions. Drain.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Stir cooked pasta into the soup just before serving to prevent sogginess. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
Serving Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli can elevate your dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.
With Freshly Grated Parmesan
- Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, savory finish.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Serve warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
With a Side Salad
- A light garden salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an interactive dining experience.
Paired with Garlic Knots
- These soft, buttery knots make for perfect dipping companions alongside the soup.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
To achieve the best version of Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli at home, consider these simple tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth can significantly enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor balance.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents pasta from becoming mushy when added to the soup; it should have a slight bite.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10 minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge; it will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to maintain texture and avoid overcooking the pasta.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add brightness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized complement the soup’s heartiness.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cream cheese or herbs provide a tasty bite-sized treat.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses creates a flavorful starter.
- Crispy Polenta Fries: These golden bites offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with the smoothness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
- Bold Timing: Starting the pasta too early can lead to soggy noodles. Cook the ditalini pasta separately and stir it in just before serving for the best texture.
- Bold Seasoning Balance: Skipping salt or not tasting as you go can result in bland soup. Always season incrementally and taste throughout the cooking process.
- Bold Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté until they are just tender for a better bite.
- Bold Wrong Bean Preparation: Not draining and rinsing canned beans can leave a metallic taste. Always drain and rinse beans to enhance their flavor.
- Bold Ignoring Broth Quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall taste. Opt for a good-quality beef broth for richer flavor.
- Bold Forgetting Herbs: Neglecting fresh herbs can reduce depth of flavor. Consider adding fresh basil or parsley just before serving for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, pasta may become softer upon reheating.
Reheating Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute increments until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli that might help you on your cooking journey.
What is Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?
Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is a hearty Italian-American soup made with ground beef, beans, pasta, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
Can I customize Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?
Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables, or even switch up the meat based on your preferences.
How do I store leftovers of Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?
You can substitute ditalini with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or even broken spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether you’re preparing it as an easy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for busy days ahead, it’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, a delightful copycat recipe that brings restaurant-style warmth right to your kitchen. This hearty Italian-American soup is loaded with ground beef, nutritious beans, and tender pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this one-pot wonder is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. With a total cooking time of just 40 minutes, you can enjoy this flavorful dish on busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or quality.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Incorporate crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix in kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente according to package directions; drain.
- Stir cooked pasta into the soup just before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans. To enhance flavor depth, consider letting the soup sit for an extra few minutes after cooking before serving.