Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe brings the heart of Italian-American cuisine right to your kitchen. Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. You’ll love how easily you can create a restaurant-quality dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: Each spoonful of this soup is a burst of Italian flavors, thanks to the blend of herbs and spices.
• Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, it’s not only filling but also nutritious.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Olive Garden pasta e fagioli, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while making food prep safe and efficient.
• Sharp knife: Ensures quick slicing of vegetables, making preparation hassle-free.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 sticks celery (chopped finely)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Tomatoes and Beans

• 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (14 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 fluid ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
• 1 (14 fluid ounce) can cannellini beans or great northern beans (drained)

Broth and Seasonings

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta

• 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

To Taste

• Salt & pepper

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat until just browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. I don’t drain the fat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Stir in the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Add in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, canned beans, chicken broth, red wine vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer covered with the lid slightly open for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add in the ditalini pasta. Continue to simmer until it’s tender (about 15-20 minutes). Stir occasionally so that pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Season your Olive Garden pasta e fagioli with salt & pepper as needed before serving.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of 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 delicious flavors and making the meal enjoyable for everyone. This hearty soup can be paired with various sides and garnishes that complement its rich taste.

With Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping, this classic choice adds a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
• Crusty Italian Loaf – A simple option that soaks up the broth beautifully, making each bite flavorful.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of cheese enhances the creaminess of the soup and adds depth to the flavor.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the warm soup.
• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta e fagioli.

With a Side of Pasta

• Fettuccine Alfredo – For pasta lovers, serving this alongside makes for a filling meal.
• Pasta Primavera – A colorful veggie-packed dish that complements the hearty soup without overpowering it.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting your Olive Garden pasta e fagioli involves attention to detail in both preparation and seasoning. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to canned or frozen alternatives.
• Adjust Seasoning – Always taste before serving; adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately – To prevent sogginess, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer builds richer flavors; just keep an eye on the pasta’s doneness.
• Store Properly – When keeping leftovers, store pasta separately to maintain texture when reheating.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust red pepper flakes or herbs according to your spice tolerance for a personalized touch.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden pasta e fagioli can create a balanced meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic offers a refreshing bite that contrasts nicely with the soup.
2. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies provides variety and enhances flavor profiles.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs serve as an indulgent addition to your meal.
4. Caprese Salad – Slices of ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a light yet satisfying side.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring earthy flavors that complement the hearty soup well.
6. Polenta Fries – Crispy polenta fries offer a unique twist and are fun to dip in your soup!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Browned Meat: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can cause them to lose their texture. Stir and sauté them just enough to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient adds its own taste, so remember to season as you go. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: If the soup seems too thick, add more chicken broth gradually. The right consistency is key for a good pasta e fagioli.
• Adding Pasta Too Early: Adding pasta too soon can result in mushy noodles. Wait until the soup has simmered before adding ditalini pasta.
• Cooking Leftover Pasta in Soup: If you plan on leftovers, cook the pasta separately. This prevents it from soaking up too much liquid and becoming soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for best results, leaving some space for expansion.

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: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based option or omit it completely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.

What beans work best for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Red kidney beans and cannellini beans are traditional, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

How long does Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli take to cook?

The total cooking time is approximately 40 minutes, including prep time of about 10 minutes and cooking time of around 30 minutes.

Can I use different pasta shapes in this recipe?

Certainly! While ditalini is traditional, any small pasta shape like elbows or shells will work well in this soup.

Is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli healthy?

This dish is packed with protein from the beans and ground beef while being low in fat. It’s also rich in fiber due to the vegetables and legumes.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding extra vegetables or using different types of beans and pasta shapes. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for busy weeks ahead!