How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

A warm bowl of soup can brighten any day, and How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home is a delightful option. This hearty Italian-style soup is packed with pasta, beans, beef, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe brings the flavors of Olive Garden right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a comforting meal ready in under an hour.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich broth that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever beans or pasta you have on hand for a customized version that fits your pantry.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for busy days when you need a quick meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and provides enough space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring everything blends well.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee that your flavors balance perfectly.

Ingredients

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 the Broth and Seasoning

• 4 cups beef broth
• 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

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Stir in the kidney beans, great northern beans, 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. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Add ditalini pasta to the pot. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Taste the soup before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

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

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its cozy, hearty qualities. This soup pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes to create a comforting meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread – A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks – These soft, buttery sticks complement the flavors of the soup beautifully.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for added flavor and richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melt some mozzarella on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.

As a Main Dish

• Serve with a Salad – A light garden salad can balance the heartiness of the soup.
• Accompany with Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.

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

To make your Pasta e Fagioli just like Olive Garden, follow these simple tips for the best results.

• Boldly season your broth – Use quality beef broth and adjust seasoning based on your taste preferences for depth of flavor.
• Boldly sauté vegetables first – Sautéing onions, carrots, and celery enhances their sweetness and adds layers to the soup.
• Boldly simmer longer – Allow the soup to simmer longer than 35 minutes if you have time; this helps meld all flavors together.
• Boldly customize pasta choice – While ditalini pasta works perfectly, feel free to use any small pasta you love for variety in texture.

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

Pairing sides with your delicious Pasta e Fagioli elevates the entire meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, buttery sticks that are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caesar Salad – A classic salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and a creamy dressing balances the hearty soup.
3. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side that complements Italian flavors.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Tossed in olive oil and herbs, these crispy sprouts add a delightful crunch.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Filled with rice or quinoa and herbs; they provide a satisfying side packed with flavor.
6. Italian Potato Wedges – Seasoned with Italian herbs; these wedges are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef before adding other ingredients can lead to less flavor. Always brown your meat first for a richer taste.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can make your soup bland. Opt for a good brand or homemade beef broth for a better flavor profile.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking ditalini pasta too long will make it mushy in the soup. Add it near the end of cooking to keep it al dente.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in intensity. Taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for full flavor.
• Forgetting to drain beans: Not draining canned beans can dilute the soup’s flavor. Drain and rinse them before adding to enhance the overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, usually about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home:

How can I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition or switch up the beans based on your preference.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer a leaner meat option without sacrificing flavor.

What can I serve with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep since it stores well and reheats easily throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables and proteins based on your taste. This cozy, filling soup makes for an excellent family dinner that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every spoonful!