Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe offers a delightful taste of the popular Italian-American soup right in your own kitchen! Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even as a meal prep option for busy weeks ahead, this dish is packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors. Enjoy the heartiness of ground beef combined with beans and pasta, making it both filling and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make it perfect for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can whip up this delicious soup.
• Versatile Meal: Ideal for lunch or dinner, this soup can also be made in larger batches for leftovers throughout the week.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a wholesome choice that keeps you feeling full and energized.
• Comfort Food: Perfectly warming and cozy, it’s great for chilly days or when you need a little extra comfort.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, having the right tools will make the cooking process smoother. Here are the essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot allows for even cooking and prevents burning while simmering.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife speeds up chopping vegetables efficiently, making prep work much easier.

Ingredients

This Olive Garden pasta e fagioli recipe is a restaurant-quality soup that’s simple to make in your own kitchen! It’s loaded with rich flavors in an irresistibly warming soup.

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 Tomatoes and Beans

• 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)

For the Broth and Seasoning

• 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)

For the Pasta

• 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. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft.

Step 3: Combine 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 heat to high and bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce heat and let the soup simmer covered with a slightly open lid for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Add the pasta into the pot. Continue to simmer until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you expect leftovers later on, consider cooking pasta separately.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Season your soup with salt and pepper as needed 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 a delightful experience that can warm up any meal. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments, enhancing its rich flavors and textures.

With Crusty Bread

• Fresh Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks – These classic accompaniments add a flavorful crunch to each spoonful.

With Salad

• Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
• Garden Salad – A simple garden salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and balance.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grate some fresh Parmesan over the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella – Melted mozzarella cheese can make each bowl creamier and more indulgent.

As a Main Course

• Pair with Pasta – Serve over a bed of cooked pasta for a filling meal.
• Topped with Herbs – Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top enhances both presentation and taste.

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How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Olive Garden pasta e fagioli even better, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables provide better flavor than dried options.
• Control the Spice Level – Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat.
• Simmer Longer for Depth – Allowing the soup to simmer longer builds richer flavors in every bite.
• Cook Pasta Separately if Storing – If you plan to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Taste Before Serving – Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden pasta e fagioli can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions that complement this flavorful soup well.

1. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes a fresh appetizer.
2. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers create a colorful side.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms offer a delicious bite-sized option.
4. Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and peppers provides variety.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil add healthy flavors alongside the soup.
6. Focaccia Bread – Soft focaccia drizzled with olive oil is perfect for soaking up every last drop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden pasta e fagioli can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just enough to soften while retaining their texture.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Every ingredient has its own flavor, so don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end. This ensures a well-balanced soup.
• Adding Pasta Too Early: Putting the pasta in too soon can lead to overcooked, mushy noodles. Add it towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients affects flavor significantly. Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for the best results.
• Ignoring Leftover Storage Tips: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to loss of flavor. Make sure to follow storage guidelines for freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common 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 soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and ditalini pasta in a rich tomato broth.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! You can substitute other types of beans like black beans or pinto beans based on your preference or what you have on hand.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the spices according to your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden pasta e fagioli recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!