Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Olive Garden pasta e fagioli recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings the comforting warmth of a restaurant dish right into your kitchen. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup stands out with its rich ingredients and hearty texture. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or as a filling appetizer, this dish promises to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious soup simmering in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, beans, and vegetables creates a depth of flavor that’s truly satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or a starter, this soup fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and lean beef, it’s both healthy and filling.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right kitchen tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make Olive Garden pasta e fagioli.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: These provide even heating for simmering your soup perfectly without scorching.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make this recipe.

Ingredients

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 Liquids and Seasoning

• 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)
• 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)

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 Ground Beef

Add the ground 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. There’s no need to drain the fat for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Incorporate the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, both canned beans, chicken broth, red grape juice vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce heat and let the soup simmer covered but slightly ajar for 15-20 minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked ditalini pasta into the pot. Continue to simmer until pasta is tender—about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking. If storing leftovers is in mind, consider cooking pasta separately before adding it when serving.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper according to your preference before serving hot.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden pasta e fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its rich flavors and comforting texture. This hearty soup can be paired with a variety of sides or garnishes to create a delightful meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• French Baguette: Slice up a fresh baguette for a crunchy contrast to the soup’s creaminess.

Topped with Parmesan

• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Parmesan Crisps: Serve some crispy Parmesan wafers on the side for added crunch.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad pairs well with the hearty soup, adding freshness to your meal.
• Caprese Salad: The bright flavors of tomatoes and basil in a Caprese salad complement the soup perfectly.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the best results in your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a vibrant taste.
• Right Beans: Experiment with different beans, like black beans or pinto beans, for variation.
• Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavor development.
• Pasta Precaution: Cook pasta separately if making ahead; this prevents it from becoming mushy in leftovers.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper to find your perfect balance.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complementing your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness that contrasts nicely with the soup.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant appetizer that pairs well with Italian flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and enhance your meal’s healthiness.
4. Antipasto Platter: A colorful platter with cheeses, olives, and cured meats creates a beautiful presentation.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers a delightful bite before diving into the soup.
6. Zucchini Fries: Crispy baked zucchini fries provide a fun twist that complements the comforting nature of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Not browning the meat properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a bland soup. Ensure you cook it over medium-high heat until it’s just browned for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the vegetables: Neglecting to add the onion, celery, and carrots will lead to a less flavorful broth. Always sauté these ingredients to enhance the soup’s richness.
• Adding pasta too early: If you add pasta too soon, it may become mushy. Wait until the soup has simmered before adding the pasta for the best texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not seasoning your soup can make it taste flat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during cooking for balanced flavors.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Skipping this step can lead to a gritty texture. Always drain and rinse canned beans to improve their flavor and consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

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 simmered in a rich broth.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or substitute with other types of beans based on your preference.

How long does Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months when frozen.

Is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with protein from the beef and beans, along with plenty of vitamins from the vegetables.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe offers a deliciously warming experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give this comforting soup a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!

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