A delicious bowl of soup is perfect for any occasion, and learning how to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home brings that cozy experience right to your kitchen. This hearty Italian-style soup combines pasta, beans, beef, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s not just tasty; it’s also quick to prepare and ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this warm meal ready in under an hour.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of herbs and spices creates a comforting taste that will remind you of your favorite restaurant.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding or substituting your favorite vegetables and beans.
• Hearty Meal: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is filling enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love pasta, and this dish offers a nutritious twist that parents can feel good about.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups & spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly without overflowing.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.

this recipe

Ingredients

To make this comforting soup, 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

For the Beans & 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 & Pasta

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Seasonings

• 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 olive oil. Once heated, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and brown it until fully cooked. This should take around 8–10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Stir in kidney beans, great northern beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add the beef broth to the pot. Stir thoroughly to incorporate everything into a cohesive soup base.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 7: Serve Hot

Once cooked through, ladle the soup into bowls. Enjoy it hot as a cozy dinner option!

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

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its hearty flavors and making it a comforting meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

Classic Garlic Bread

• Slice a baguette, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden. This crunchy side pairs perfectly with the soup.

Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Parmesan Cheese

• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each bowl for an extra layer of flavor. It melts beautifully into the warm soup.

Crusty Italian Rolls

• Serve with warm rolls for dipping. The bread soaks up the delicious broth, making every bite satisfying.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• Drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil over the soup just before serving for added richness and depth of flavor.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil to brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.

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, follow these tips for optimal results.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean beef reduces excess grease, making your soup healthier while still flavorful.

• Fresh Vegetables Matter: Using fresh onions, carrots, and celery enhances the overall taste and texture of your soup.

• Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer than the suggested time for deeper flavors; this also helps meld the ingredients together.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for a personalized touch.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For best texture, cook ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy in the broth.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.

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

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing and croutons makes a classic accompaniment that complements the soup’s flavors.

2. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs provide a savory bite that pairs well with Italian cuisine.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add healthy crunch and enhance your meal’s nutritional value.

5. Pasta Primavera: A light vegetable pasta dish adds color and variety without overshadowing the main attraction.

6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated vegetables, olives, and cheeses offers great variety for those who enjoy grazing while they eat.

7. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini provide a unique twist and are perfect for dipping into your soup.

8. Herb Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs serves as a light side dish that complements the richness of your pasta e fagioli beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the taste and texture of your dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid while preparing this hearty soup.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a bland flavor. Always sear the meat until it’s well-browned to enhance the depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the vegetables: If you cook the vegetables too long before adding liquids, they may lose their texture. Sauté them just enough to soften but keep their crunch.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in strength, so failing to adjust seasonings like salt and pepper can result in an unbalanced soup. Taste as you go and add more as needed.
• Using cold broth: If you add cold broth to your pot, it will slow down the cooking process. Always use warm or hot broth for quicker cooking and better flavor infusion.
• Ignoring pasta cooking time: Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the soup. Add ditalini pasta towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Consider freezing without the pasta, as it may become mushy when reheated.

Reheating How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at Home

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home.

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

You can make this recipe healthier by using lean ground beef or turkey and adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans according to your preference.

What type of pasta is best for Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells if desired.

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

The total time from prep to table is about 55 minutes, making it a quick meal option for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home is not only easy but also rewarding. This cozy soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch!

Print

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli right in your kitchen. This hearty Italian-inspired soup combines tender ground beef, nutritious beans, fresh vegetables, and ditalini pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth that will transport you to the heart of Italy. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this cozy dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare—ready in under an hour! Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors while knowing you’re serving a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• Olive oil
• 2 tbsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked (8–10 minutes).
3. Stir in kidney beans, great northern beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce; mix well.
4. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine.
5. Season with basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper; adjust to taste.
6. Bring to a gentle boil; add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, incorporate spinach or zucchini into the soup. Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option or swap out beans based on what you have available.