Hearty Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
A hearty Italian soup featuring pasta, beans, and ground meat, perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is rich in flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
- to taste fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- to taste grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add ground beef or sausage; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, water, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add small pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.