How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home is the perfect recipe for cozy dinners that everyone in your family will love. This hearty soup combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth, making it both filling and flavorful. Whether you are hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to prepare at home, bringing the taste of Olive Garden right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – With just 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Hearty and Filling – This soup is packed with protein from the beef and beans, making it great for satisfying hunger.
• Versatile Ingredients – You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting soup, making it a hit for family meals.
• Freezes Well – Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious soup, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot – Essential for creating enough space to cook all the ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife – Ensures precise cuts, which helps ingredients cook evenly.
• Stirring spoon – Necessary for mixing ingredients together properly as they simmer.

Ingredients

To make How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

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

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

Broth and Seasoning

• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your vegetables—onion, carrots, celery—and mincing the garlic. This preparation ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat:
1. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the ground beef.
3. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Add your prepared onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot:
1. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Now it’s time to add flavor:
1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
2. Add both types of beans—kidney and great northern.
3. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in your herbs—basil, oregano, thyme—and season with salt and pepper:
1. Stir everything together well.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Once boiling:
1. Add 1 cup of ditalini pasta into the pot.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 7: Serve

Taste your soup before serving:
1. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot!

This delightful soup captures all the comforting flavors reminiscent of Olive Garden’s famous dish right in your own kitchen!

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

Serving your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is just as important as making it. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and create a complete meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the rich broth perfectly.
• Crusty Italian Bread – Great for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
• Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring brightness to your meal.

Offer Extra Toppings

• Grated Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle adds richness and depth to each bowl.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs – Basil or parsley can brighten the soup and enhance its aroma.

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

To ensure your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli turns out just right, consider these tips. They will elevate your dish and make it even more enjoyable.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Brown the Beef Well – Properly browning the meat adds depth to the overall taste of the soup.
• Simmer Slowly – Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs for your preference.
• Choose Quality Broth – A good beef broth is essential; it serves as the base of this flavorful soup.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Cook it just until tender before serving.

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 enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful soup.

1. Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic are perfect for sopping up leftover broth.
2. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds a fresh touch.
3. Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables makes for a delightful appetizer.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs offer an elegant touch.
5. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal veggies brings color and nutrition to your meal.
6. Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad tossed in vinaigrette can balance the warmth of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for that can affect the flavor and texture of your soup.

• Using low-quality beef: Always choose good quality ground beef for better flavor. Lean beef enhances the taste without adding too much fat.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your broth! Add salt and pepper gradually while tasting to get the perfect balance.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cook the ditalini pasta al dente before adding it to the soup. This prevents it from becoming mushy as it simmers.
• Not letting it simmer enough: Allow your soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. This ensures that everything is tender at the same time.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about how to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home.

How can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Also, try using turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.

What beans can I use besides kidney and great northern beans?

You can substitute cannellini beans or pinto beans if you prefer a different bean flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

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

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

The total time from prep to serving is about 55 minutes, making it a quick weeknight dinner option!

Is this soup healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from beans and lean meat, along with plenty of veggies, making it nutritious and filling.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Italian-style soup is perfect for cozy dinners and family meals. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, how to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home offers versatility that allows you to customize according to your tastes. So gather your ingredients and give this comforting recipe a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. This hearty Italian soup features ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender ditalini pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth that’s perfect for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by dicing the vegetables and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
3. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, both types of beans, and beef broth.
5. Season with basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a gentle boil.
6. Add ditalini pasta; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
7. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg