Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

A bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe brings warmth and comfort on chilly days. This hearty Italian soup combines tender pasta with nutritious beans, making it a delightful choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for any occasion when you’re craving a satisfying meal that doesn’t take hours to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with beans and vegetables, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for preparing this comforting soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is crucial for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping your veggies ensures safety while preparing your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A good knife speeds up prep time by making slicing quick and effortless.

Ingredients

A hearty and comforting Italian soup made with pasta and beans, perfect for chilly days.

For the Soup Base

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Ground beef: 1/2 lb (225 g)
• Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Celery: 1 stalk, diced
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

For the Beans and Pasta

• Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz or 800 g)
• Kidney beans: 1 can (15 oz or 425 g), drained and rinsed
• Cannellini beans: 1 can (15 oz or 425 g), drained and rinsed
• Ditalini pasta: 1 cup (about 100 g)

Seasoning

• Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil: for garnish (optional)

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by dicing the onion, celery, carrots, and mincing the garlic. Having these ready will streamline your cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
* Sauté the diced onion, celery, and carrots for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
* Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot.
* Break it up as it cooks, browning it for about 5–7 minutes.
* Drain excess fat if necessary before moving on.

Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in crushed tomatoes along with kidney beans and cannellini beans.
* Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Pour in about 4 cups of water or beef broth.
* Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Add ditalini pasta to the pot.
* Cook for an additional 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
* Serve garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Enjoy this delightful Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe warm alongside crusty bread!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will complement this hearty soup.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping. This adds a delightful texture to each bite.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, garlic-flavored sticks are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese provides a fresh contrast.
• Mixed Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens with tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.

Top with Extra Ingredients

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the soup just before serving for added creaminess.
• Fresh Herbs: A garnish of fresh basil or parsley enhances flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

To make your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli unforgettable, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences. More herbs can add depth to the flavor.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality canned tomatoes and beans for the best taste. Fresh ingredients yield better results in any recipe.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook ditalini pasta separately if you prefer it firmer. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Leftovers Magic: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to maintain consistency and prevent drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Complementing your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad: A fresh combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil creates a light dish.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Roasted bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables add a colorful touch to your table.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and pair beautifully with the soup.
4. Polenta Cakes: Crispy polenta cakes offer a unique texture contrast while remaining comforting.
5. Herb Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh herbs complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
6. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide an indulgent side option that pairs well with soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Bold seasoning: Forgetting to season properly can lead to bland soup. Taste your broth during cooking and adjust as needed with salt and pepper.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta too long will make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and check for al dente texture.
• Bold neglecting beans: Not rinsing canned beans can result in excess sodium. Always drain and rinse your beans before adding them to the soup.
• Bold skipping aromatics: Omitting ingredients like garlic or onions will lessen the flavor depth. Make sure to sauté these ingredients well for a flavorful base.
• Bold ignoring simmer time: Not allowing enough simmer time can prevent flavors from developing. Ensure you let the soup cook long enough for all ingredients to meld together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

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

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli so comforting?

The combination of hearty beans, tender pasta, and rich tomato broth creates a warm and filling dish perfect for chilly days.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap out the ground beef for turkey or lamb.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from beans and lean meat, along with plenty of vegetables, making it a nutritious option.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on your preference. Give it a try on a cold day; it’s bound to become a favorite!