Pasta e Fagioli
This is my husband’s favorite soup from Olive Garden so I gave it a shot lol. I did add extra meet and extra noodles (per his request) … so it is different than the actual OG recipe. Yall let me know what you think!
✨ Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta & Beans) 🍝
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 2 carrots, diced 🥕
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz), drained & rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz) 🍅
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
• 4 cups chicken/vegetable broth
• 2 cup ditalini pasta 🍝 (do 1 cup if you don’t want extra)
• 2 lb group beef ( do 1 lb if you don’t want extra)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 🍃
• Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
• Red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶
• Parmesan cheese & parsley, for garnish 🧀🌿
Instructions:
1️⃣ Sauté: Heat olive oil in a pot. Cook ground beef (or in a separate pan). Remove excess grease. Add onion, garlic, carrots & celery. Cook until soft (5-7 mins).
2️⃣ Season: Add oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes & bay leaf. Cook for 1 min.
3️⃣ Broth & Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes & broth. Simmer for 10-15 mins.
4️⃣ Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook ditalini pasta until al dente. Drain & set aside.
5️⃣ Beans: Stir in beans & cook for 5 mins. Remove bay leaf.
6️⃣ Combine: Add pasta to the soup (or keep it separate to avoid sogginess in leftovers).
7️⃣ Garnish: Taste & adjust seasoning. Top with Parmesan & parsley. Serve with crusty bread!
🍽 Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli!
Pasta e Fagioli, also known as "pasta and beans," is a traditional Italian soup that combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Originating from Italian peasant cuisine, this dish has gained worldwide popularity for its comforting flavors and hearty texture. The key ingredients typically include cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, as well as herbs such as oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. In this recipe, the addition of ground beef enhances the protein content and deepens the flavor, creating a more substantial dish reminiscent of the Olive Garden's beloved version. When preparing Pasta e Fagioli, it is important to sauté the vegetables and meat properly to develop a rich base, then simmer the soup adequately to meld the flavors. Cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving helps prevent it from becoming soggy, especially if leftovers are desired. This soup offers flexibility; for a meatless option, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You can also experiment with different types of beans or pasta shapes to suit taste preferences. Serving Pasta e Fagioli with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley enhances its flavor and presentation. Pairing it with crusty bread makes the meal more satisfying and perfect for cool weather. Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals in one bowl. This makes it an ideal recipe for those seeking comfort food with health benefits. By following this enhanced recipe, you enjoy a warm, appetizing soup that stays true to traditional Italian flavors, yet customized for extra heartiness. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, Pasta e Fagioli is a timeless dish that nourishes both body and soul.
