Cozy at Home Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Fagioli
Cozy At Home Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250-300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5-8g |
| Fiber | 40-45g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a trip to Italy without leaving your kitchen? Ever craved the olive garden pasta fagioli ? This recipe nails that rich, comforting flavor, with a touch of homemade love.
You get a delicious hearty italian soup with a slight kick!
Brief Overview
Pasta e fagioli , meaning "pasta and beans," is a classic Italian staple. This is easy, ready in just over an hour. It makes about 6-8 servings perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This vegetarian pasta fagioli recipe is packed with fiber and protein. It is ideal for a chilly evening or a casual gathering. This fagioli soup is special because it's healthier and tastier.
Ready to dive in? First let's look at your shopping list..
Let's Talk Ingredients
The Base: Building Blocks of Flavor
First, you need olive oil. Then you need chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Don't forget the garlic. It's the heart of Italian cooking.
Honestly , those aromatics are everything! You'll need dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Want a kick? Add more red pepper.
Broth, Beans, and Pasta: The Main Act
Chicken broth is key for a rich flavour. Low sodium is best, trust me. Next, get diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and kidney beans.
Then the star: ditalini pasta! Here's your chance to use other small pasta if you want. Salt and pepper will be needed too.
Finally, add a bay leaf. It adds something special.
Serving Time: The Finishing Touches
You'll want grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. I normally buy a big block of parmesan and grate it myself, it makes all the difference.
Ready to Get Cooking?
Now that we have the ingredients let's move on to instructions.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing Olive Garden pasta fagioli . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty basic.
Nothing too fancy here! This is all about making comfort food, remember?
Main Ingredients: Beans, Pasta, and Veggies, Oh My!
Here's what you'll need, and don't stress about being too precise. This is supposed to be fun!.
- Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Use good quality olive oil. It makes a difference!
- Onion : 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup, 150g ). Yellow onions work great.
- Carrots : 2 medium , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup, 120g ). Fresh carrots are best.
- Celery : 2 stalks , chopped (about 1 cup, 100g ). Adds a nice crunch.
- Garlic : 2 cloves , minced (about 2 tsp, 6g ). Gotta have garlic!
- Dried Oregano : 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Essential for that Italian flavor.
- Dried Basil : 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes : 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). For a little heat!
- Chicken Broth : 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is a good idea.
- Diced Tomatoes : 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) , undrained. Adds body to the soup.
- Cannellini Beans : 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) , rinsed and drained. These are your white beans.
- Kidney Beans : 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) , rinsed and drained. Adds color and flavor.
- Ditalini Pasta : 1/2 cup (50g) . This little pasta shape is perfect. It's the classic ditalini pasta soup .
- Salt and Pepper : To taste. Don't be shy!
- Bay Leaf : 1 . Don't forget to remove it before serving!
Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Boosters
The right spice blend will make your " Fagioli Soup " sing!. These are the unsung heroes.
- Essential Spice Combinations : Oregano and basil are your foundation.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Garlic and red pepper flakes are your secret weapons!.
- Quick Substitution Options : Fresh herbs can replace dried. Just use more!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need a ton of fancy equipment to whip up a batch of Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe .
- Essential Tools Only : A big pot and a good knife.
- Common Household Alternatives : A wooden spoon works instead of a fancy spatula.
This " Italian bean soup recipe " is super forgiving! Have fun with it!. A proper " Pasta E Fagioli " is awaiting you
Ready to dive in and make a hearty Italian soup ? Let's do this!
Cozy at Home: Olive Garden Inspired Pasta Fagioli
Craving that comforting bowl of Olive Garden's pasta fagioli but don't want to leave the house? I get it! This hearty Italian soup , packed with pasta, beans, and veggies, will transport you straight to Italy.
.. or at least, your favorite restaurant chain. We're making a copycat recipe with easy-to-find ingredients.
Honestly, this recipe is super easy. While there are a few ingredients, don't let that scare you off. A little chopping, a bit of simmering, and you're golden.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: let's get organized! Chop 1 medium yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Rinse and drain 1 can each of cannellini and kidney beans. Seriously, having everything prepped beforehand saves so much time.
And, always wash your veggies!
Time saving tip: I like to chop extra veggies and store them for future meals.
From Simmer to Soul: Step-by-Step Pasta Fagioli
- Sauté the Goodness: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes.
- Garlic and Spice: Add 2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp oregano, 0.5 tsp basil, and 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Broth & Tomatoes In: Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and add 1 can diced tomatoes. Throw in one bay leaf! Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Time: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes . The longer it simmers, the better the flavour!
- Beans and Pasta: Stir in those rinsed beans and 0.5 cup ditalini pasta (or your favourite small pasta). This ditalini pasta soup is getting good!
- Cook the Pasta: Simmer, uncovered, until pasta is al dente and tender, about 8- 10 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Boom!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta Fagioli
- Don't overcook that pasta! Aim for al dente . It keeps cooking in the soup.
- Olive garden soup recipe and this Fagioli Soup benefit from a good amount of seasoning, so taste and adjust at the end of cooking, if needed.
- A secret weapon? Puree 0.5 cup of the beans and stir it back into the soup for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is achievable by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And make sure the Parmesan is vegetarian pasta fagioli recipe
Honestly, this Italian bean soup recipe is one of my go-to comfort foods. It's perfect on a chilly evening with some crusty bread. Enjoy your Pasta E Fagioli!
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Pasta Fagioli
Right, so you're about to make some seriously yummy Olive Garden pasta fagioli . Before you dive in, let's chat about some little things.
These can make all the difference. Honestly, even the best Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe can get a boost from a few clever tweaks.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good!
Presentation is key, isn't it? First, try swirling a little extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving. Next, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy.
Also, a dollop of ricotta cheese adds creaminess. For sides, crusty bread for dunking is an absolute must. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also awesome.
It cuts through the richness of the soup.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
So, you've got leftovers of Italian bean soup recipe ? Lucky you! Let it cool down completely before you even think about putting it away.
Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days.
Want to freeze some for later? Go for it! But bear in mind: the pasta might get a bit softer after thawing.
Freeze in portion sized containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it looks too thick.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Wanna switch things up? No problem! For a Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe , use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Simple! Need a gluten free version? Just use gluten free pasta. Loads of options at the supermarket these days.
You know, seasonal ingredient swaps can be fun too. Add some chopped zucchini or bell peppers in the summer. Or even some butternut squash in the autumn. Oh my gosh, that's delicious!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's talk about what's actually in this hearty Italian soup . It's full of fibre from the beans and veggies.
That's great for your digestion! There's also protein to keep you feeling full. A fagioli soup is comfort in a bowl, but it’s good for you too!.
Keep in mind that those copycat recipes of Olive Garden soup recipe can be more healthy.
Alright, there you have it! These ditalini pasta soup notes will help you make the perfect Pasta E Fagioli . So go ahead, get cooking! You've totally got this.
Enjoy every single spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli taste exactly like the restaurant version?
Ah, the million dollar question! While every home cook adds their own touch, the key is in the simmering. Don't rush the process! Simmering the soup for a longer period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, giving it that characteristic rich taste.
Also, be generous with the Italian herbs oregano and basil are your friends here.
Can I make this Olive Garden pasta fagioli ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two ahead of time can actually improve the flavor, much like a good stew. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Think of it like a good cup of tea; sometimes it's better brewed beforehand.
My pasta fagioli is too thick! How do I thin it out?
Easy peasy! Simply add more chicken or vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. Start with a 1/2 cup at a time and stir well. You're aiming for a soup, not a stew that can stand up on its own - unless that's how you want it!
I'm vegetarian/vegan. Can I still enjoy this pasta fagioli?
You bet! It's super easy to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan. Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and make sure your Parmesan cheese is a vegan alternative. You won't miss a thing, I promise, especially with all those delicious beans and veggies!
What's the best way to store leftover pasta fagioli?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth if it's thickened up too much. It's like giving it a little pick-me-up for round two!
Is Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Pasta Fagioli can be a relatively healthy and balanced meal. It's packed with fiber from the beans and vegetables, and provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates. To keep it on the healthier side, use low-sodium broth, go easy on the Parmesan cheese, and load up on the veggies!
Remember, moderation is key, even with comfort food classics.
