Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: Discover the Secret Recipe!

Introduction to Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to dinner. That’s why I absolutely adore this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe! It’s a warm, hearty Italian soup that brings comfort to the table without taking hours to prepare. Imagine a bowl filled with tender pasta, flavorful beans, and vibrant veggies, all simmered to perfection. This dish is not just a quick solution for a hectic day; it’s also a delightful way to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a lifesaver for busy nights. It’s not only quick to whip up, but it also packs a punch of flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. The combination of hearty beans and tender pasta creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Ingredients for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli a hit in your home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Olive oil: This is your base for sautéing, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
• Ground beef: It brings a hearty texture and savory taste. You can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Italian sausage: Adds a spicy kick. Feel free to use mild sausage if your family prefers less heat.
• Onion: Chopped onions provide a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add a touch of sweetness and color, making the dish visually appealing.
• Celery: This crunchy vegetable enhances the flavor profile and adds depth.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with a delightful aroma and taste.
• Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes bring acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the meat.
• Kidney beans: These beans are packed with protein and fiber, making the soup hearty.
• Cannellini beans: Their creamy texture complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Beef broth: This is the soul of the soup, providing a robust flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an authentic Italian flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
• Small pasta (like ditalini): This pasta shape is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh finish and a pop of color.

For those who want to get creative, consider adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup in no time.

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for all the flavors to come.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add half a pound of ground beef and half a pound of Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, stir in one chopped onion, two diced carrots, two diced celery stalks, and three minced garlic cloves. Sauté these veggies until they’re tender, about 5 minutes. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Broth

Now it’s time to add the magic! Pour in one can of diced tomatoes, one can of kidney beans, one can of cannellini beans, and four cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together, and let the flavors mingle.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and develop. You might want to sneak a taste—it’s that good!

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

After simmering, add one cup of small pasta, like ditalini, to the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up all that delicious broth!

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Finally, stir in a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color to your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings!

Tips for Success

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time to save precious minutes during cooking.
• Don’t skip the simmering step; it’s key for developing rich flavors.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.
• For a thicker soup, add more pasta or reduce the broth slightly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot: A sturdy pot is essential for simmering the soup. A Dutch oven works great too!
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the meat.
• Measuring cups: Handy for measuring broth and pasta.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping veggies.

Variations of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or lentils for protein.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a heat boost.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Wine: A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully.
• Garnish: Top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for a lovely presentation.

FAQs about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli gluten-free?

It can be! To make a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze leftovers. Add the pasta when you reheat the soup to keep it from getting mushy.

What can I serve with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a side of garlic knots. It’s a complete meal on its own!

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein.

Final Thoughts

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is more than just cooking; it’s about creating a warm, inviting experience for your family. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in, sparking conversations and laughter around the dinner table. This hearty soup is a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies and protein without anyone noticing! I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your family meals, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: Discover the Secret Recipe!

Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful Italian soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables, inspired by Olive Garden’s famous recipe.

• Author: Dija
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
• This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg