Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Name: Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A hearty and comforting Italian soup, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful blend of pasta, beans, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth.

Created by

Amber Walsh

Last updated on 2025-12-11T12:42:45.697Z

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned and packed with nutrients, it's a dish that warms the soul.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich in flavor and packed with protein from beans
A comforting dish perfect for chilly days
Easy to make and great for meal prep

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is more than just a soup; it's a warm hug in a bowl. With its rich blend of flavors, this dish brings the essence of Italian comfort food to your kitchen. The combination of hearty beans, tender ground beef, and wholesome vegetables creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul, making it ideal for chilly evenings or when you're in need of a pick-me-up.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a little extra heat or a milder flavor, this soup adapts beautifully to your preferences, ensuring that every bowl is a personal delight.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is Pasta e Fagioli delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients. Beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, which help keep you full and satisfied. Coupled with the vitamins from fresh vegetables, this soup provides a well-rounded meal that is both nourishing and indulgent.

Additionally, the use of lean ground beef adds essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which are important for maintaining energy levels and supporting immune function. With each serving of this soup, you're enjoying a healthy dose of goodness that fuels your body and delights your taste buds.

A Family Favorite

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Its hearty nature means it can easily feed a crowd, and leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.

Serving Pasta e Fagioli is also a great way to introduce kids to the joys of cooking and healthy eating. They can help with simple tasks like rinsing the beans or adding pasta, making it a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Brown the Meat

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until meat is browned and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add Pasta

Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making a double batch!

Tips for the Best Pasta e Fagioli

To enhance the flavor of your Pasta e Fagioli, consider using homemade beef broth instead of store-bought. Homemade broth is richer and allows you to control the seasoning, resulting in a more flavorful soup. If time is a constraint, opt for a high-quality store-bought broth, ensuring it is low in sodium to better control the saltiness of your dish.

For an extra layer of flavor, sauté the vegetables a little longer until they caramelize slightly. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup. Don't hesitate to experiment with different pasta shapes; while ditalini is traditional, shells or rotini can also be delightful!

Serving Suggestions

Pasta e Fagioli is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or some freshly baked garlic bread. The crunch of a salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, making for a balanced meal. Try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a delightful accompaniment.

For a more indulgent experience, top your soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving. This adds a rich creaminess and elevates the dish to restaurant-quality, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze Pasta e Fagioli?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the pasta and add it when reheating.

→ What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.