How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home is a delightful and hearty Italian-style soup that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This recipe combines pasta, beans, beef, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or family meals, offering robust flavors that appeal to everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, this dish is quick to make.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of spices and ingredients creates a deeply satisfying flavor that warms the soul.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for leftovers.
• Kid-Friendly: The pasta and beans offer a fun texture that kids love while being packed with nutrition.
• Copycat Delight: Enjoy the beloved Olive Garden experience from the comfort of your home with this simple recipe.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering soup ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Cooking spoon: Necessary for stirring the ingredients thoroughly to combine flavors.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate measurements for liquids and dry ingredients, which is crucial for taste.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

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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 Tomatoes

• 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: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft—about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with your spoon. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Stir in both cans of beans (kidney and great northern), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully integrated.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once cooked through, ladle into bowls. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli warm with some crusty bread on the side!

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

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home is a delightful experience. This hearty soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Enjoy slices of freshly baked bread alongside your soup. The crusty texture is perfect for dipping.

Top with Grated Cheese

• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light, refreshing salad complements the hearty soup. Opt for a simple mixed greens salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar.

Offer Fresh Herbs

• Provide fresh basil or parsley as a garnish. This adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

Include Olive Oil Drizzle

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor profile. It also gives a nice sheen to the dish.

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

Perfecting your Pasta e Fagioli can elevate this comforting dish even further. Here are some helpful tips to make it just right.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh vegetables and quality broth for the best flavor base.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook! Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add ditalini pasta in the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure it’s al dente.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking improves its flavors as they meld together.
• Experiment with Beans: Mix different types of beans for added texture and nutrition, such as black beans or pinto beans.
• Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can round out your meal wonderfully. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread pairs perfectly with soup, offering a crunchy contrast.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar provide a light, refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and are an easy way to incorporate more nutrients into your meal.
4. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with cheese complement the flavors of the soup beautifully.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs make for an exciting appetizer option.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and balances out the savory notes of the soup.
7. Quinoa Salad: A protein-rich quinoa salad tossed with veggies offers a healthy yet filling side option.
8. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates a vibrant starter before diving into the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home, a few common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture of your soup. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the vegetables first can result in a bland flavor. Always start by cooking your onions, garlic, and other veggies in olive oil to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding ditalini pasta too early may lead to mushy noodles. Cook the pasta separately or add it towards the end of cooking for al dente texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: If you skip adding herbs or spices, your soup may lack depth. Taste and adjust seasonings like basil, oregano, and thyme throughout the cooking process.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can diminish the overall taste. Opt for a good beef broth or make your own for enhanced flavor.
• Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing the cooking time may prevent the ingredients from fully marrying together. Allow your soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop rich flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about how to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home that many people ask:

What type of beans should I use for Pasta e Fagioli?

You can use kidney beans and great northern beans as specified in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other bean varieties if desired.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the beef and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables for added texture.

How long does it take to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home?

The total time is about 55 minutes including prep and cook time. It’s a quick meal perfect for weeknights!

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Additional veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can enhance flavor and nutrition.

How should I serve Pasta e Fagioli?

Serve it hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s hearty and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!