Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe
Creating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy comforting flavors in a warm bowl. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even cozy nights at home. With its rich taste and hearty ingredients, this soup stands out as a fulfilling meal that everyone can appreciate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Hearty Goodness: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and beef, it’s a filling dish that satisfies.
- Flavorful Experience: The aromatic blend of herbs and spices creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily modify the veggies or beans based on what you have at home.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows for easy stirring and prevents splatters while cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables for even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your dish.

Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
For Beans & Flavoring
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
Optional Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in the cannellini beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes along with their juices.
Step 4: Pour in Broth
Add the beef broth to the pot and stir well to combine.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
Add the small pasta to the pot and continue to simmer until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Once everything is cooked through and thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Serve hot with optional garnishes like grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!
How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe
Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. This hearty soup is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and it offers plenty of opportunities to get creative with your presentation.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan on the side for guests to add as desired, enhancing the flavor.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread alongside the soup for a deliciously crunchy contrast.
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette can soak up the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp, refreshing balance to the soup’s warmth.
- Mixed Green Salad: Offer a light mixed green salad tossed in vinaigrette for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe
Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is all about attention to detail and using quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for the best flavor.
- Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your personal taste and preferences.
- Choose Quality Broth: A good quality beef broth will significantly enhance the overall taste of your soup.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices that complement this robust soup.
- Garlic Knots: These soft and buttery knots are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light contrast.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add depth and richness alongside the soup.
- Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a refreshing bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors and textures to your meal.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with cheese pair perfectly with pasta e fagioli.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
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Overcooking the Meat: Cooking the ground beef or Italian sausage for too long can make it tough. Aim to brown it just until it’s fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
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Skipping Aromatics: Not sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take time to sauté these ingredients until they become tender and fragrant.
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Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup properly can result in a bland dish. Be sure to add Italian seasoning and taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
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Adding Pasta Too Soon: If you add pasta too early, it can become mushy. Wait until the soup is almost ready before adding the small pasta, allowing it to cook al dente.
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Ignoring Storage Tips: Improper storage can spoil your leftovers. Store your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli in airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze appropriately for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe
- You can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.
Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: The Ultimate Amazing Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty soup that combines ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting Italian dish perfect for any meal.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb if you prefer. Each option adds its unique flavor while keeping the core essence of this recipe intact.
How long does it take to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
The total time required is around 45 minutes. This includes both prep time (15 minutes) and cooking time (30 minutes), making it a quick and satisfying meal option.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You may also add more beans or vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s a great dish that warms you up on cooler days and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for a unique twist!
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and hearty soup that brings the rich flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Packed with protein-rich ground beef, fiber-filled beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With its aromatic blend of herbs and spices, every spoonful offers a warm embrace that everyone will cherish. Customize it with your favorite veggies or beans for a personal touch!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until vegetables are tender (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in cannellini beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in beef broth; stir to combine.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Bring the soup to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add pasta and continue to simmer until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like parsley or cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (400g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
