Introduction:
Craving the comforting flavors of Olive Gardenās Pasta e Fagioli? Look no further! This copycat recipe brings the deliciousness of this classic Italian soup right to your kitchen. With hearty ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, itās a satisfying meal thatās perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes
- 1 large onion, diced into small cubes
- 1 stalk celery, diced into small cubes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 15 oz canned Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz canned Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, (optional)
Directions:
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced carrots, onion, celery, and garlic. Saute until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return cooked beef to the pot. Add canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Great Northern beans, and Kidney beans. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in chicken broth and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add Pasta and Seasoning: Stir in ditalini pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Kcal: 300 per serving
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Soup
- Calories: 300
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Resources:
- Italian Seasoning Blend Recipe ā Make Your Own Italian Seasoning at Home
- Guide to Cooking Pasta Perfectly ā Tips for Cooking Pasta Al Dente
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Pasta e Fagioli recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
- Can I use different types of pasta?
- Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Can I add extra vegetables?
- Absolutely! You can customize this soup by adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.