If you’ve ever craved a comforting bowl of Italian-inspired soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is exactly what you need.
The moment I started cooking this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, the aroma of simmering garlic, herbs, and tomato sauce filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel cozy and inviting.
As the flavors melded together, I couldn’t help but imagine serving it straight from the pot with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Every spoonful is rich and hearty, balancing tender pasta, savory meat, and tender beans in a perfectly seasoned broth that tastes just like Olive Garden’s classic version, but with the satisfaction of making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home.
Why Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the Ideal Recipe
What makes this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe so special is the harmony of flavors and the simplicity of its preparation. I love how it combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.
The ground beef adds richness, while the medley of beans and vegetables delivers a wholesome balance.
Every time I make it, I notice how flexible it is—you can adjust the seasoning to your taste, swap the pasta for gluten-free versions, or even add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to amp up the nutrition.
It’s perfect for meal prep because it reheats beautifully, maintaining its flavor and texture. I also appreciate that it doesn’t require complicated techniques—anyone from a beginner cook to a seasoned chef can pull this together with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients in Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
To make this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli exactly like the one I experienced at Olive Garden, here are the ingredients I always use:
-1 pound ground beef: adds heartiness and depth to the soup.
-1 medium onion, diced: brings sweetness and aroma.
-2 medium carrots, diced: adds texture and natural sweetness.
-2 celery stalks, diced: for that classic soup flavor base.
-2 garlic cloves, minced: essential for savory depth.
-5 cups chicken stock: the foundation for a rich, flavorful broth.
-29-ounce can tomato sauce: provides the comforting tomato base.
-15.5-ounce can red kidney beans, drained: adds creaminess and protein.
-15.5-ounce can cannellini beans, drained: balances the flavors and texture.
-14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes: gives freshness and a burst of tomato flavor.
-1 cup ditalini pasta: traditional small pasta that holds onto the broth.
-1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: the perfect blend of herbs for authenticity.
-1 teaspoon onion powder: enhances the onion flavor without overpowering.
-1 teaspoon garlic powder: complements the fresh garlic.
-1 bay leaf: adds a subtle, aromatic touch.
-Salt and pepper to taste: balances all flavors.
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Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, made with ground beef, ditalini pasta, red kidney and cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and savory Italian herbs in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect homemade Italian soup!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion diced
2 medium carrots diced
2 celery stocks, diced
2 garlic cloves minced
5 cup chicken stock
29 ounce can tomato sauce
15.5 ounce can red kidney beans drained
15.5 ounce can cannellini beans drained
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup ditalini pasta
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add the ground beef to a large pot over medium heat. Using a wooden spoon, break it into bite-sized pieces and continue to cook until browned. Transfer the meat to a plate lined with paper towels.1 pound ground beef
Stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the pot. Cook until the onions soften, about 5 to 8 minutes. Mix in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.1 medium onion,2 medium carrots,2 celery,2 garlic cloves
Add in the ground beef, chicken stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to continue to cook for 20 minutes.5 cup chicken stock,29 ounce can tomato sauce,15.5 ounce can red kidney beans,15.5 ounce can cannellini beans,14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes,1 tablespoon Italian seasoning,1 teaspoon onion powder,1 teaspoon garlic powder,1 bay leaf,Salt and pepper
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente. Stir the pasta into the soup.1 cup ditalini pasta
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
How to Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe Step-by-Step
Here’s how I prepare this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe every time, step by step:
-Add the ground beef to a large pot over medium heat. Using a wooden spoon, break it into bite-sized pieces and cook until browned. Once done, transfer the meat to a plate lined with paper towels.
-Stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery into the pot. Cook until the onions soften, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add chicken stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
-Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente. Drain and stir into the soup just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
If you want a little extra treat during your meal prep, you can also serve this alongside my quick desserts or other family-friendly dishes like Reese Cheesecake Recipe in 30 Min, Quick Christmas Salad Recipe in 10 Min, or Easy Crockpot Salsa Chicken Recipe in 5 Min. These pair wonderfully for a complete meal.
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Vitamin A | 65% DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Conclusion
Making this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home has been a truly rewarding experience. The rich aromas, vibrant colors, and comforting flavors remind me why homemade meals are so special.
Every spoonful is satisfying and nourishing, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. It’s a recipe I know I’ll return to again and again, especially when I want something warm, hearty, and authentically Italian.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.