Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian-style soup filled with ground beef, tender pasta, beans, and vegetables in a flavorful tomato broth. This comforting copycat version tastes just like the restaurant favorite, making it perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
yellow onion
carrots
celery
garlic
canned diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
beef broth
red kidney beans
great northern beans
dried oregano
dried basil
thyme
salt
black pepper
dried ditalini pasta

directions

In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the kidney beans, great northern beans, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Add the cooked pasta to the soup just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and breadsticks if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Use vegetable broth and omit the meat for a vegetarian version.
Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.

storage/reheating

Store Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pasta separate if possible to prevent it from soaking up all the broth. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I freeze Pasta e Fagioli?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta to maintain texture. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells works well.

Why does my pasta soak up all the broth?
Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. Keep the pasta separate and add it when serving.

Is this soup spicy?
No, it’s mild and kid-friendly, but you can add spice if you like.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then add all ingredients except pasta to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cooked pasta just before serving.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate comfort soup that’s easy to make at home and tastes just like the restaurant version. With its savory broth, tender veggies, and hearty beans and pasta, it’s a satisfying meal for any night of the week. Enjoy a warm bowl with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired dinner!

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