Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Olive Garden pasta e fagioli recipe is a delightful soup that brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. Its rich blend of ingredients creates a hearty meal that everyone will love, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavors: The combination of tomatoes, beans, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour!
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or a side, it pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and healthy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe keeps well in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy later.

Tools and Preparation

To create this comforting Olive Garden pasta e fagioli, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for a perfectly cooked soup.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Chopping board & Knife: Essential for prepping your vegetables quickly and safely.

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 Vegetables 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)

For Flavoring the Soup

• 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 or add more to taste)

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 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. You don’t need to drain the fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Add in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, canned beans, chicken broth, red grape juice 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 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Pasta

Add the pasta and continue simmering until it’s tender (about 15-20 minutes). Cover again with the lid slightly ajar. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If you’re anticipating leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately.

Step 6: Season Before Serving

Season your soup with salt & pepper as needed before serving warm. Enjoy your delightful Olive Garden pasta e fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that enhances the flavors of this warming soup. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your dish.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, garlic-infused breadsticks complement the soup’s rich flavor perfectly.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a light and crunchy side.

Enhance with Toppings

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated cheese adds a savory touch.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Garnishing with basil brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli takes just a few thoughtful steps. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience.

• Bold Flavors: Don’t be afraid to adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste. More oregano or basil can enhance the aroma.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality beef and fresh vegetables for better flavor and texture in your soup.
• Slow Simmering: Letting the soup simmer longer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: If you plan on leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complement your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with these fantastic side dishes that enhance the meal experience.

1. Caprese Salad: A fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for an appetizer spread.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice, beans, and spices make a hearty side.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs provide a nutritious addition.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served warm with tortilla chips or pita bread is great for sharing.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from grated zucchini seasoned with herbs add a delicious crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables finely can lead to uneven cooking. Take the time to prep your onion, celery, and carrots properly.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can result in mushy texture. Aim for al dente and consider cooking it separately if you plan on leftovers.

• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste frequently and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as you go.

• Adding ingredients too early: Some ingredients like beans should be added at specific times. Follow the recipe closely for the best flavor balance.

• Not simmering long enough: A short simmer won’t allow flavors to meld together. Letting the soup simmer enhances its depth and richness.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.

• Stovetop: Warm 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 together for rich flavor.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! You can substitute with your favorite beans such as black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, switch up the herbs, or even use different types of pasta to suit your taste.

Is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli healthy?

This soup is relatively healthy as it includes lean protein from beef and fiber from beans; however, portion control is key due to sodium content.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. With options to customize ingredients or adjust seasonings, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy. Give it a try today!