Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Pasta e Fagioli is one of my all-time favorite soups, especially the version served at Olive Garden!

It’s packed with the rich flavors of lean ground beef, beans, veggies, and tender pasta.

The secret to nailing that restaurant-quality taste?

Use a high-quality beef broth to really deepen the flavor.

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 Carrots (diced)
• 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
• 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz.)
• 1 can Red Kidney Beans (15 oz., drained and rinsed)
• 1 can Great Northern Beans (15 oz., drained and rinsed)
• 1 can Beef Broth (32 oz.)
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (uncooked)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until browned.

Drain excess fat and set beef aside.

Step 2:

Using the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed.

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery.

Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the cooked beef back into the pot.

Step 4:

Pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.

Add kidney beans and great northern beans.

Season with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5:

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6:

While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 7:

Serve the soup hot, with a scoop of cooked pasta added to each bowl.

Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Prep Ahead:

Chop all the vegetables in advance to make the cooking process smoother and quicker.

Pasta Timing:

Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

Flavor Boosts:

If you like a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the soup.

Adjusting Thickness:

If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water to the desired consistency.

Storing and Reheating:

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth if needed.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Garlic Bread

Nothing pairs more perfectly with a warm bowl of Pasta Fagioli than a side of garlic bread.

The crispy, buttery bread dipped in the hearty soup is a match made in heaven.

You can easily make your own garlic bread by spreading garlic butter on a baguette and toasting it until golden brown.

Green Beans

Sautéed green beans are a light and crunchy side that perfectly complements the rich flavors of your Pasta Fagioli.

Simply sauté them with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

They add a nice fresh touch to your meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and colorful addition to your table.

Toss a mix of carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini with olive oil and your favorite herbs, then roast them in the oven until tender.

They provide a great contrast to the hearty soup.

Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing is always a good choice.

You can add tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for some extra flavor.

It’s a refreshing side that balances out the richness of the soup.

Antipasto Platter

For something a bit more varied, try an antipasto platter.

Include a selection of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables.

It’s an easy and impressive way to round out your meal.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is another fantastic option.

Top slices of toasted bread with a mix of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

This dish brings a burst of fresh flavors that enhances the Pasta Fagioli.

Avocado Fries

If you’re feeling adventurous, avocado fries might be the unexpected side dish you never knew you needed.

Coat avocado slices in breadcrumbs and bake them until crispy.

These add a creamy and crunchy twist that pairs surprisingly well with the soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

You can swap ground beef with Italian sausage to add a spicy kick!

If you prefer a leaner option, try using ground turkey or chicken.

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans and vegetables.

Bean Choices

Cannellini beans are classic, but kidney beans and pinto beans work well, too.

Using a mix of beans adds extra texture and flavor.

Pasta Varieties

The traditional choice is ditalini pasta, but you can use small macaroni or small shells.

Gluten-free pasta is a great option if you need it.

Broth and Base

Swap beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter taste.

For richer depth, use a combination of beef and vegetable broth.

Spice Adjustments

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.

Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning to match your preferences.

Extra Vegetables

Consider adding zucchini or spinach for more nutrients.

Mushrooms can provide an earthy flavor that’s delicious.

Other Substitutions

Tomato sauce can be replaced with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.

If you’re out of garlic, garlic powder can do the trick!

Feel free to adjust this dish to your taste!

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Store in Airtight Containers

Always use airtight containers to store your leftover Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

This will keep the soup fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

Glass containers are usually a good choice as they don’t stain and can help you see what’s inside.

Refrigerate for Short-Term Storage

If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, place the airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can store the soup for up to 3-4 days in the fridge without losing its flavor or texture.

Make sure the soup has cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, freezing is a great option.

Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top.

This allows the liquid to expand as it freezes.

Label the containers with the date, and you can keep the soup in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli anytime!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta

You don’t want the pasta to become mushy!

Always cook it to al dente, as it will continue to soften in the soup.

Cooking the pasta separately also helps maintain its texture.

Using Too Much Salt

Watch out for the salt in your beef broth and canned tomatoes.

Always taste as you go and adjust the seasoning at the end.

This way, you’ll avoid an overly salty soup.

Incorrect Ratio of Ingredients

Balance is key in this recipe.

Too much tomato sauce can overpower the taste of the beans and vegetables.

Make sure to follow the ingredient ratios closely to get that perfect flavor balance.