Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Love restaurant-style comfort food? This copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli delivers everything you want in a bowl — it’s a hearty, quick dinner packed with ground beef, beans, pasta, and rich Italian flavors. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is both satisfying and simple to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This dish combines protein-rich ground beef with nutritious beans and pasta, making it a complete meal.
• Quick to Prepare: In just 40 minutes, you can have a delicious soup that everyone will enjoy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: Rich Italian flavors come together to create a comforting dish that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience and ensure even results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking soups as it provides enough space for all ingredients without overflowing.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

Love restaurant-style comfort food? This copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli delivers everything you want in a bowl — it’s a hearty, quick dinner packed with ground beef, beans, pasta, and rich Italian flavors. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a cozy soup for chilly nights, or meal prep food ideas, this one-pot recipe is satisfying, family-friendly, and so simple to make at home.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth

For the Beans

• 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente according to package directions. Drain.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Stir cooked pasta into the soup just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Serving your Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will complement this hearty soup beautifully.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. It adds a delightful texture and helps soak up the rich flavors of the soup.

Fresh Green Salad

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

Parmesan Cheese Sprinkle

• Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the Italian essence of the dish.

Garlic Breadsticks

• Offer garlic breadsticks as an accompaniment for a classic Italian touch. They’re perfect for enjoying alongside or dipping into the soup.

Extra Herbs

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. It makes for an appealing presentation.

Chili Flakes Option

• Provide chili flakes at the table for those who like a bit of heat. It allows guests to customize their own spice level.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring the right texture. Follow these tips for an even better result.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly improve flavor compared to canned or frozen options.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.

• Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid sogginess, always cook ditalini pasta separately and stir it in just before serving.

• Simmer Longer for Flavor: If time allows, let the soup simmer longer than 15 minutes. This helps meld the flavors beautifully.

• Add More Beans: Incorporating more types of beans can enhance protein content and add different textures to the dish.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop overnight!

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables seasoned with garlic complement the hearty soup wonderfully.

2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers make for a vibrant appetizer that’s easy to prepare.

3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a nutritious side that pairs nicely with Italian flavors.

4. Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy dip served with tortilla chips or pita bread adds indulgence and richness to your meal.

5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil provides a fresh bite that contrasts well with the soup.

6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese serves as a comforting side dish that complements the soup’s heartiness.

7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and cured meats (use turkey if desired) creates an inviting appetizer spread.

8. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb option that pairs well with robust flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when trying to replicate a favorite dish like Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Not all substitutions work well. Use ground beef instead of pork and ensure you have the right beans for authentic flavor.
• Bold overcooking vegetables: Sautéing too long can lead to mushy veggies. Cook just until softened to maintain texture.
• Bold ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste as you go can result in bland soup. Adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
• Bold adding pasta too early: Adding ditalini pasta too soon makes it soggy. Cook it separately and stir in just before serving.
• Bold skimping on broth: Using less broth than called for can make the soup too thick. Stick to the recipe for a perfect consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• To freeze, cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, here are some frequently asked questions that might help.

What is Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, pasta, and tomatoes. It’s known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli vegetarian?

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

How do I customize Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?

You can add your favorite vegetables or spices. Consider adding zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor!

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

This soup lasts up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort food right into your kitchen. It’s versatile enough for meal prep or cozy dinners with family. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!