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. This dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home, loaded with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and hearty beans simmered in a rich broth. 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

• Comforting flavors: This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli offers a blend of savory ingredients that create a warm and satisfying dish.
• Quick preparation: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules.
• Nutritious meal: Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the beans, it’s a healthy option for everyone.
• Versatile serving: Ideal for family dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this soup can be enjoyed any time.
• Simple ingredients: Using accessible ingredients means you can whip up this delicious dish without any hassle.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: A large pot allows even cooking and ample space for all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and easy chopping of vegetables, making prep time efficient.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.

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 Flavoring

• 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. Ensure there are no pink bits remaining before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

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 develop beautifully.

Step 5: Cook Ditalini Pasta

Add uncooked ditalini pasta and simmer until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Season Before Serving

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

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making the meal feel complete. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Breadsticks: The classic choice, these warm, buttery sticks are perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Sourdough Loaf: A thick slice of sourdough adds a delightful tanginess that complements the flavors of the soup.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons provides a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with seasonal vegetables and a vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta e fagioli.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
• Basil Leaves: Whole basil leaves can enhance the aroma and flavor when placed atop the soup just before serving.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips. They will guide you toward achieving the best flavor and texture for this delightful dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables yield better flavor. Opt for in-season produce whenever possible.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to suit your palate.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To maintain texture, cook ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving if you expect leftovers.
• Simmer Longer: If time allows, let your soup simmer longer for deeper flavors. Just keep an eye on the pasta’s doneness.
• Add Spice: For a kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce according to your heat preference.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its savory profile.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing accompaniment.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables offer a hearty side that pairs well with soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized brings out their natural sweetness next to the soup.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated olives, artichokes, and cheeses provides an Italian flair to your meal.
5. Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil create a vibrant side dish that echoes the soup’s flavors.
6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese and garlic make for an indulgent treat alongside the comforting soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season at various stages can lead to a bland soup. Season your beef while cooking and adjust flavors towards the end.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you add the ditalini pasta too early, it may become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish flavor. Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs for a vibrant taste.
• Using low-quality canned tomatoes: The quality of tomatoes significantly impacts the soup. Choose high-quality diced and crushed tomatoes for a richer broth.
• Ignoring simmering time: Rushing through simmering can result in underdeveloped flavors. Allow the soup to simmer fully to enhance its richness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, consider freezing without pasta for better texture.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli:

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

What type of beans should I use?

For this recipe, red kidney beans and cannellini beans work well together. You could also use black beans as an alternative.

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

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is comforting and versatile, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can customize it according to your taste preferences. Try it out today!