Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting and hearty soup right at home. Packed with rich flavors, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends and family. The blend of tender beans, vegetables, and ground beef makes this dish not only satisfying but also versatile for various occasions. Whether served as a starter or paired with crusty bread, this soup is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour.
• Flavorful and Hearty: A perfect balance of spices and ingredients creates a rich taste that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Dish: Great for lunch or dinner, this soup can be enjoyed on its own or served with garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: With familiar ingredients that appeal to all ages, it’s a fantastic option for family meals.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your cooking adventure, gather your kitchen tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: Preparing your vegetables will be much easier with these tools, ensuring clean cuts and safe handling.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, helping to mix all flavors seamlessly.

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.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1 medium onion (chopped)
– 3 sticks celery (chopped finely)
– 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 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)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 tablespoon red grape juice 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; add more to taste)
– 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
– Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until just browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. There’s no need to drain the fat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for another 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Add in the diced tomatoes (with juices), crushed tomatoes, drained red kidney beans, drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, red grape juice vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to high and bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer covered but slightly ajar for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add in the uncooked ditalini pasta and continue simmering until it’s tender—about another 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally so that pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. If you’re planning on leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it when serving.

Step 6: Season Before Serving

Taste your delicious soup and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing the comforting flavors of this delightful soup. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or alongside other dishes, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Pair your soup with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve with buttery garlic breadsticks for an Italian touch.

As a Meal Starter

• Small Bowls: Offer small bowls of pasta e fagioli as an appetizer before the main course to whet your guests’ appetites.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top for added richness and flavor.
• Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella for a creamy texture that melts beautifully into the soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves as a garnish for an aromatic finish.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli enhances its flavors and ensures a satisfying experience. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s flavor.
• Proper Simmering: Allow the soup to simmer gently to develop richer flavors; avoid boiling it too hard.
• Cook Pasta Separately: If making leftovers, cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste test and adjust seasonings as needed; don’t hesitate to add more herbs or spices if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complementing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with side dishes can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent options that pair well with this delicious soup.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and freshness, balancing the hearty soup.
2. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for a delightful starter.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the soup.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an elegant touch and enhance your Italian meal theme.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrition to your dining experience.
6. Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the flavors in the pasta e fagioli perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your soup. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using Low-Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef for better flavor and texture. Low-quality meat can make the soup greasy and unappetizing.
• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup enhances their flavor. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving.
• Ignoring Pasta Cooking Instructions: Cooking pasta too long in the soup can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it, or consider cooking it separately if you want leftovers.
• Using Canned Beans Without Rinsing: Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and improves taste. Don’t forget this step for a healthier dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in the fridge.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion as the soup freezes.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 pasta, all simmered in a flavorful broth.

How do I customize Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. You can also adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth along with additional beans or lentils for protein.

What should I serve with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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

It will last approximately 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious leftovers ready anytime. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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