Olive Garden Pasta and Beans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Toss in the chopped onions, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the tomato sauce, beans, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add the ditalini pasta and the bay leaf. Lower the heat, then let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Olive Garden Pasta and Beans is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a few simple additions. Consider serving it alongside warm, crusty bread or a fresh side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top can take this dish to the next level of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your leftovers fresh, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing your leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Helpful Cooking Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving. A touch of fresh basil or parsley can also brighten the dish. If you’re in a hurry, pre-chopped vegetables can save time on prep, and canned beans are a fantastic time-saver as they’re already cooked!

Creative Twists

Consider swapping out ditalini pasta for another small pasta shape, like elbow macaroni or small shells. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. For a heartier meal, toss in leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, during the last few minutes of cooking.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Olive Garden Pasta and Beans?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, making it a quick and easy meal.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional, feel free to use any small pasta you have on hand.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes! Just ensure it is well cooled before packaging in airtight containers for freezing. Reheating is simple; just warm it on the stovetop.

Now that you’ve got all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy this fantastic bowl of Olive Garden Pasta and Beans. Happy cooking!

Olive Garden Pasta and Beans

A comforting, hearty dish featuring tender pasta, robust beans, and a savory broth, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Beans

• 5 cups chicken stock Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can catalina beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Pasta and Seasonings

• 1 cup ditalini pasta Substitute with any small pasta shape if preferred.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Cooking

1. Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the tomato sauce, beans, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Add the ditalini pasta and bay leaf. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

Serve with warm, crusty bread or a fresh side salad. A sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese enhances the flavor. For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.