Name: Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casing removed); 1 onion (diced); 3 carrots (peeled and diced); 2 ribs celery (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ teaspoon dried thyme; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 16-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes; 1 cup water; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 1 3-inch Parmesan rind; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 1 15-ounce can Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed); ½ cup shaved Parmesan

Introduction to Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty essence of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. This delightful soup combines rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. But why settle for restaurant quality when you can make a homemade version that’s even better?

Why Homemade Pasta e Fagioli is a Game Changer

Creating your own Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home is truly a game changer. First off, using fresh ingredients allows you to control the flavors, ensuring it's tailored just for your taste buds. Imagine the satisfaction of savoring a steaming bowl of hearty goodness, knowing you made it from scratch!

Additionally, whipping up this recipe is surprisingly quick. In just about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s cost-effective. Cooking at home often saves you money compared to dining out, and you won’t have to compromise on taste.

With its combination of spicy Italian sausage, tender beans, and perfectly cooked ditalini pasta, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, offering both comfort and nourishment. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to experience the joy of creating your very own version of Olive Garden's beloved dish! For more delightful recipes, check out this link for tasty inspiration.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

When craving the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, gathering the right ingredients is essential for achieving that hearty, authentic taste. Below, we’ve laid out everything you'll need to get started on this delightful dish.

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon helps sauté the veggies and gives a rich base.
Spicy Italian Sausage: 1 pound, casing removed, adds depth and a hint of heat.
Onion: 1, diced, for that classic aromatic flavor.
Carrots: 3, peeled and diced, bringing natural sweetness.
Celery: 2 ribs, diced, adding a nice crunch.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, elevating the taste profile.
Dried Herbs: 1 teaspoon each of basil, oregano, and ¾ teaspoon of thyme for that Italian flair.
Chicken Broth: 3 cups for a savory liquid base.
Tomato Products: 1 (16-ounce) can of tomato sauce and 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes for rich flavor.
Water: 1 cup to adjust consistency.
Ditalini Pasta: 1 cup, the perfect shape for this soup.
Parmesan Rind: 1 (3-inch) piece adds a unique umami touch.
Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can each of red kidney beans and Great Northern beans, all drained and rinsed for added protein.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, shaved, for garnishing your delicious creation.

Stock up on these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to making your own comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. For more guidance, you might find tips on food pairings and cooking techniques helpful!

Preparing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Are you ready to dive into the warmth and heartiness of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli? This comforting soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that bring everyone to the table. Let’s walk through each step to ensure you create a bowl of deliciousness that beats any restaurant experience.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you kick off the cooking process, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. You’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups chicken broth
1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1 cup ditalini pasta
1 (3-inch) Parmesan rind
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup shaved Parmesan

Make sure to have these ingredients ready to go so you won’t be scrambling in the middle of cooking.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in the pork sausage (if substituting with chicken sausage, it will add a leaner twist). As the sausage cooks, break it up into smaller pieces. This should take about 3-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned.

Once the sausage is browned, transfer it to a plate and let it rest. In the same pot, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery—a perfect trio that forms the aromatic basis of your soup. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes until they become tender. Then add the minced garlic along with the dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) and stir for one minute or until fragrant. This really enhances the depth of flavor.

Brown the Italian Sausage

Make sure the Italian sausage is nice and crumbly while browning. If you’re a fan of meal prep, feel free to cook a double batch! This soup stores beautifully and can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

Combine and Simmer

With the sautéed veggies and browned sausage in your pot, it’s time for the full-flavor explosion. Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and water. Gently season with salt and pepper. Don’t forget that Parmesan rind—it adds such depth! Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Add the Pasta and Beans

At this point, you should smell some heavenly aromas wafting through the kitchen! Stir in the ditalini pasta and let it cook until tender. In the last few minutes of simmering, add the red kidney beans and Great Northern beans until they are heated through. This will turn your soup into a nutritious powerhouse.

Serve the Hearty Soup

Now the moment you’ve been waiting for—serve your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli! Ladle it into bowls and top with shaved Parmesan. You can accompany it with some crusty bread for a complete meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or just having a cozy night in, this soup will surely impress.

Enjoy every spoonful of your homemade Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli! Feel free to share your variations or favorite toppings in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Variations on Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli

For a meatless twist on Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you can easily swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based alternatives or simply load up on more vegetables. Consider using mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture. You can even enhance the broth with vegetable broth instead of chicken, making it a deliciously hearty option for vegans and vegetarians alike.

Spicy Pasta e Fagioli

Looking to add a little heat to your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli? Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the base. You can also opt for a spicy Italian sausage to ignite that warmth throughout the dish. If you like it really hot, try adding some diced jalapeños during the veggie sauté for a kick that even the bravest foodies will appreciate.

Experimenting with these variations can make your pasta e fagioli uniquely yours! For other recipe ideas, check out sources like Bon Appétit for inspiration.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Creating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home can be a breeze with some handy tips. Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to elevate your cooking:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh veggies and high-quality sausage can make a big difference in flavor. Opt for spicy Italian sausage for a kick!
Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer than directed to let the flavors meld beautifully. This also softens the beans, enhancing their creaminess.
Pasta Cooking Tip: If you’re not serving immediately, cook the ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from absorbing too much broth.
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well! Just leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating for best results.

With these simple tips, your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli will be the star of any meal!

Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

When serving your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider pairing it with a few delightful options to elevate this comforting dish. Here are some suggestions:

Fresh Breadsticks: Nothing beats the classic Olive Garden breadsticks. Serve them warm alongside your soup for a perfect dipping experience.
Salad: A crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the hearty flavors beautifully. It's a great way to balance the meal!
Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle some extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of red pepper flakes for added depth and a kick.
Beverages: Pair this dish with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea for a relaxing meal. Alternatively, a non-alcoholic sparkling drink can add a festive touch.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli while creating lasting memories with friends and family!

Time Breakdown for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Preparation Time
Getting started on your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a breeze! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients. This includes chopping up the vegetables and getting everything measured and ready.

Cooking Time
Once you dive into cooking, it’s a quick 20 minutes to achieve that rich, hearty flavor. You’ll simmer the ingredients just long enough to let all the beautiful flavors meld together.

Total Time
In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a delightful bowl of Pasta e Fagioli. It's perfect for busy weeknights when comfort food is a must! This quick recipe means you can enjoy a homemade meal without losing precious time. For more inspiring recipes, check out this pasta cooking guide.

Nutritional Facts for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Understanding the nutritional aspects of your meal can enhance your dining experience! Here’s a closer look at the Nutritional Facts for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a dish that's as hearty as it is healthy.

Calories

A serving of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli contains approximately 200-250 calories. This makes it a hearty option without straying too far from your daily caloric goals, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Protein

Packed with goodness, this dish provides around 12-15 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the Italian sausage and kidney beans. Protein is essential, particularly for fueling your busy lifestyle and aiding in muscle recovery after a workout.

Sodium

For those mindful of their sodium intake, the Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli has about 800-900 mg of sodium per serving. While this offers flavor and enhances preservation, it's wise to balance this with low-sodium options throughout your day.

When cooking at home, you can always adjust ingredients to lower sodium levels. For example, opting for low-sodium chicken broth or rinsing canned beans can make a difference.

Conclusion

Incorporating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli into your meal plan can offer nutritional benefits while keeping you full and satisfied. If you're looking for ways to adjust or enhance your dish, be sure to check out more tips on healthy cooking!

For those interested in diving deeper into nutrition, resources like the USDA FoodData Central provide comprehensive details about various foods. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

FAQs about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Can I make Pasta e Fagioli ahead of time?

Absolutely! Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and when you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove. Just remember that the pasta may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth during reheating to restore its delicious soup-like consistency.

What can I substitute for ditalini pasta?

If you can’t find ditalini pasta, don’t fret! Some great alternatives include elbow macaroni, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose. Each option brings a unique texture that complements the flavors of this hearty dish.

How can I make Pasta e Fagioli healthier?

Want to lighten up your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli? Try these tips:

Use lean turkey sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage for fewer calories.
Increase the veggie content by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels.
Opt for whole grain pasta for added fiber.

Making these simple swaps can keep all the rich flavors while promoting a healthier meal! For more ideas on healthy cooking, check out resources from Healthline.

Conclusion on Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

In conclusion, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful dish that's both hearty and comforting, perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its rich combination of flavors and textures, this recipe not only rivals the original but often surpasses it. Enjoy every bite and share it with loved ones!