Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

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. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy gathering, this recipe is not only satisfying but also simple to prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a complete meal that will keep you satisfied.
• Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dinner even on busy nights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the pasta for gluten-free options.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot—perfect for busy cooks!

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started with the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything in place will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A sturdy pot is essential for simmering the soup evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot while ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

Ingredients

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. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a cozy soup for chilly nights, or meal prep food ideas, this one-pot recipe is satisfying, family-friendly, and so simple to make at home.

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

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Step 1: Sauté the 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 the 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 and 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. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately

Meanwhile, cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente according to package directions. Drain when done.

Step 6: Combine Pasta with Soup

Just before serving, stir cooked pasta into the soup to prevent sogginess.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste the soup 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. This hearty soup is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette alongside for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a deliciously buttery touch that complements the soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds brightness and color.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves can enhance the Italian flavors in the dish.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing side.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can create a delightful cheesy layer as you serve each bowl.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

To achieve the ultimate version of Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide the best flavor in your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste before adding more to avoid oversalting.
• Cook Pasta Separately: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when stored or reheating leftovers.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Pair your Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli with these delightful side dishes for a complete meal experience. Each one complements the hearty flavors of the soup beautifully.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing addition.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and veggies provide extra substance and flavor.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offers great texture.
4. Pasta Primavera: Light pasta tossed with fresh vegetables creates a colorful and healthy side.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips or bread enhances your appetizer options.
6. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables adds variety and richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli experience. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using the wrong pasta: Using a different type of pasta can change the dish’s texture. Stick with ditalini for the best results.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Sautéing vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Cook them just until they soften to keep their flavor and crunch.
• Not draining the beans: Skipping this step can add excess sodium and affect the soup’s texture. Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them.
• Skipping the seasoning adjustment: Tasting before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors based on your preference.
• Cooking pasta in the soup: Adding pasta directly into the soup can lead to sogginess. Cook it separately and stir it in just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli that might help you:

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 rich tomato broth.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or omit it altogether, using extra beans for protein.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?

You can add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini or spice it up with red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.

How long does Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli recipe offers warmth and comfort in every bowl. It’s versatile enough for meal prep or cozy dinners with family. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy making this comforting dish at home!