How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

A delicious and hearty Italian-style soup awaits you with this guide on How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, combining pasta, beans, and beef in a rich tomato broth. It’s not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful burst of flavors that will warm your heart any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this meal on the table in under an hour.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich taste that rivals your favorite restaurant dish.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, this soup can be served as a main course or appetizer.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from beef and fiber from beans, it’s both filling and healthy.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for busy nights when you need a quick meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready makes preparation easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables, which enhances texture and cooking time.

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Ingredients

A hearty Italian-style soup with pasta, beans, beef, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth—cozy, filling, and easy to make at home.

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Beans and Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

For Flavoring:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender—around 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Stir in the kidney beans, great northern beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add beef broth to the mixture. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Once boiling, add ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Step 6: Season

Finally, stir in basil, oregano, thyme, salt & pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired before serving hot.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home!

How to Serve How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

This hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement the flavors of your homemade Pasta e Fagioli.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Enjoy warm, crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough or a rustic baguette works wonderfully to soak up the delicious broth.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. It adds a burst of freshness and color to your bowl.

Add Parmesan Cheese

• Although traditional Parmesan may not be suitable for everyone, consider using a plant-based alternative. This sprinkle adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the dish.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Offer Chili Flakes

• If you like a bit of heat, provide chili flakes on the side. This allows guests to customize their spice level to their liking.

Pair with Wine Alternatives

• For those who enjoy a drink with dinner, consider serving non-alcoholic sparkling cider or flavored sparkling water to keep it refreshing.

How to Perfect How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

Perfecting this recipe takes just a few simple adjustments. Here are some tips to elevate your Pasta e Fagioli experience.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste and adjust herbs and spices as you cook. Adding extra basil or oregano can enhance the overall taste.
• Opt for Al Dente Pasta – Cook pasta separately and add it just before serving if you prefer it firmer.
• Make Ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight.
• Store Properly – When storing leftovers, keep pasta separate from the broth to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with Beans – Try using different beans such as black beans or chickpeas for unique flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your meal further. Here are some excellent options that go well with this comforting soup.

1. Garlic Bread – A classic choice! Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter pairs perfectly.
2. Caprese Salad – A light salad made of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil complements the soup’s richness.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs add healthy crunchiness.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice and spices offer an exciting twist alongside your soup.
5. Cheesy Flatbread – Warm flatbread topped with cheese is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly grilled asparagus spears seasoned with lemon zest make for an elegant side dish.
7. Mixed Bean Salad – A protein-packed bean salad can add variety and nutrition to your meal.
8. Crispy Kale Chips – Lightly seasoned kale chips provide a crunchy texture contrast that complements the soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the Sauté: Not sautéing the vegetables first can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil before adding other ingredients.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy. Add ditalini pasta towards the end of cooking to ensure it remains al dente.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season your dish properly can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs throughout the cooking process.

• Using Canned Beans without Rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans may add excess sodium and starch. Drain and rinse them well for better texture and taste.

• Choosing the Wrong Broth: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall flavor. Opt for good-quality beef broth or homemade stock for the best results.

• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Skipping fresh herbs can diminish the dish’s authenticity. Use fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for an extra burst of flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover soup in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home?

To make this recipe at home, gather ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and pasta. Cook ground beef with vegetables, add broth and beans, then simmer with pasta until tender.

What are the main ingredients in Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

The main ingredients include ground beef, kidney beans, great northern beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, ditalini pasta, and various seasonings.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can swap out beans or add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the ditalini pasta. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.

How long does it take to cook Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

The total time is about 55 minutes—15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking for a delicious meal ready in no time!

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a cozy and hearty soup that brings comfort on chilly days. This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or beans. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!