Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Olive Garden pasta e fagioli recipe is a delightful twist on a classic Italian soup that you can easily recreate at home! Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Its warming qualities and comforting taste make it a standout choice for any occasion, from weeknight meals to festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a deep, savory flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have this delicious soup ready in just 40 minutes!
• Versatile Meal: This Olive Garden pasta e fagioli can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with protein and fiber from the beans and veggies, this soup is not only filling but also nutritious.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for leftovers! You can store this soup in the fridge or freezer and reheat it anytime for a quick meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Olive Garden pasta e fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even heat distribution when simmering the soup, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot, allowing you to mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your flavors are just right every time.
• Knife and cutting board: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, while a sturdy cutting board provides safety during prep.

Ingredients

Meat & 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)

Canned Goods

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

Liquids & 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 & Final Touches

• 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

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, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Canned Ingredients

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 and let the soup simmer covered with the lid slightly open for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta in and continue to simmer until it’s tender (about 15-20 minutes). Stir occasionally so that the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If planning on leftovers, cook pasta separately before serving.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Season the soup with salt & pepper as needed. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden pasta e fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Olive Garden pasta e fagioli is a delightful experience that can enhance any meal. This hearty soup is not only filling but also pairs well with various accompaniments that elevate its rich flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked Italian bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a satisfying crunch.

Garnished with Parmesan Cheese

• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture that complements the soup beautifully.

Side Salad

• Serve your pasta e fagioli with a garden salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing balance to the warm soup.

With Italian Sausage

• For meat lovers, adding sliced Italian sausage can enhance the dish’s heartiness and provide an extra layer of flavor.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top brightens up the presentation and adds freshness to each spoonful.

Accompanied by Wine

• Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti, to enhance the Italian experience and complement the flavors of the soup.

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How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve restaurant-quality Olive Garden pasta e fagioli, consider these tips for perfecting your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor in your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you cook; tweak seasonings like salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately – If you expect leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving to maintain its texture.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances the depth of flavors, making it even more delicious.
• Experiment with Beans – Feel free to mix different types of beans for variety in taste and texture.
• Store Properly – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it will keep well for 3-4 days.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing your Olive Garden pasta e fagioli with complementary side dishes can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some great choices:

1. Garlic Bread – This classic side is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – These bite-sized treats are filled with cheese and herbs, making them an excellent appetizer.
4. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil adds freshness and a burst of flavor.
5. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables can be a delightful starter.
6. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an easy yet elegant side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using too much pasta: Adding excess pasta can make your soup too thick. Stick to the recommended amount and consider adding more only if necessary.
• Not seasoning enough: This soup needs flavor! Be generous with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to achieve the right balance.
• Skipping the simmering step: Simmering builds flavor depth. Don’t rush this step; allow the ingredients to meld together for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Overcooking the vegetables: If you cook vegetables too long, they may become mushy. Aim for tenderness while still maintaining some crunch.
• Ignoring leftovers storage: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to keep it fresh.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Can freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I use different types of beans in Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

You can absolutely mix and match beans! Great northern beans or pinto beans work well if you want variety.

What can I serve with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

How do I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply substitute ground beef with mushrooms or another protein like lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How long does Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this delicious soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is comforting and versatile, perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!