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. Loaded with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and hearty beans simmered in a rich broth, 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 Preparation: In just 40 minutes, you can serve a delicious meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, this soup is filling enough to be a complete meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices for your taste.
• Nutritious Choice: With high protein and fiber content, this recipe supports a balanced diet while being delicious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for even cooking and allows ample space for simmering all ingredients together.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently while keeping mess to a minimum.

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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.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

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.

Step 5: Add Pasta

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

Step 6: Season Before Serving

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and creating a memorable dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Enjoy warm, crispy garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping into the rich broth.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.

Add a Side Salad

• A crisp green salad with your favorite dressing complements the soup beautifully and adds extra crunch.

Serve with Grated Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on the table for guests to sprinkle over their bowls.

Use a Rustic Bowl

• Serve in rustic or handmade bowls to give a cozy, homestyle feel to your meal presentation.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, high-quality vegetables enhance the overall taste and nutrition of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To maintain the pasta’s texture, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different beans like black beans or chickpeas for variety in texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To create a well-rounded meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy contrast with its romaine lettuce, croutons, and tangy dressing.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an easy-to-eat appetizer.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide a healthy and colorful side.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, vegetables, and spices offer a hearty addition to your meal.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A gooey grilled cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully for dipping into the soup.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil gives a fresh Italian touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using the wrong pasta: Ditalini pasta is ideal for this recipe. If you substitute with a different type, it may alter the texture and cooking time.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables too long can lead to mushiness. Aim for tenderness but retain some crunch for better flavor and texture.
• Skipping seasonings: Seasonings like Italian herbs and red pepper flakes are crucial. Don’t skip them; they enhance the soup’s overall taste.
• Adding too much liquid: Too much broth can dilute flavors. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced and hearty soup.
• Neglecting leftovers: If you plan on storing leftovers, cook the pasta separately to maintain its texture when reheating.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli that can help enhance your cooking experience.

What is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian-American soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and ditalini pasta simmered in a flavorful broth.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth while adding more beans and vegetables for flavor.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or switch out beans based on your preference. Fresh herbs also enhance flavor significantly.

What should I serve with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not just a comforting soup; it’s versatile enough to adapt to various tastes and preferences. Whether you enjoy it as is or choose to customize it with your favorite ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try today!