One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful and easy dish that brings the comforting flavors of a classic Italian soup right to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this one-pot meal combines hearty ground beef and tender pasta with flavorful broth, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Its simplicity and robust taste make it a family favorite that’s sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With all ingredients cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze after enjoying this delicious meal.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and beef, this dish keeps you satisfied longer.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer or main course; it fits perfectly for casual family dinners or special gatherings.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh vegetables creates a dish bursting with flavor.
• Adaptable Ingredients: Easily swap out ground beef for turkey or add more veggies to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking everything in one place, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, ensuring efficiency in prep time.
• Sharp knife: Aids in quickly chopping vegetables, making prep faster without compromising safety.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

Recreate the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli at home. This one-pot recipe is easy to make and packed with ground beef, pasta, and flavorful broth.

For the Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion
• 1 cup celery
• 1 cup carrot
• 1 tablespoon garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the Broth

• 3 cans beef broth (14.5 ounces each)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta and Beans

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 can kidney beans (15.5 ounces)
• 1 can cannellini beans (15.5 ounces)

How to Make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your vegetables.
* Chop the onion.
* Slice the carrots and celery.
* Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Rinse Beans

Rinse and drain both types of beans thoroughly.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat:
1. Add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. If using fatty ground beef, drain excess fat.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot:
1. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften, stirring occasionally.
2. Reduce heat to medium; add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Add Broth, Tomatoes, Pasta & Seasoning

Pour in the broth along with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce:
1. Add salt, black pepper, and ditalini pasta.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Simmer & Incorporate Beans

Once boiling:
1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Simmer while stirring occasionally for about 7 minutes.
3. After that time, add rinsed beans.
4. Continue cooking until pasta is tender (about another 5-8 minutes).

Enjoy your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli hot! This dish serves approximately 10 people, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends!

How to Serve One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and filling dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience and make this delicious meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth of your pasta e fagioli. It adds texture and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. The fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a pop of color.

Add Grated Cheese

• Offering grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on the side allows guests to customize their bowls. The cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, enhancing its creaminess.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta e fagioli. Choose mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.

Offer a Dash of Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, provide hot sauce on the table. A few drops can elevate the flavor and give it an exciting kick.

How to Perfect One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the best results with your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

• Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier while still maintaining rich flavor.
• Cook veggies until tender: Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they are tender. This step enhances their sweetness and depth in flavor.
• Do not overcook pasta: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from heat.
• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper based on your preference for spice levels.
• Let it sit before serving: Allowing the pasta e fagioli to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Complement your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal without overshadowing its comforting flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, ideal for dipping into your soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provide a fresh contrast that pairs well with hearty pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add a healthy touch and vibrant colors to your plate.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a satisfying side that complements the flavors of pasta e fagioli.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light yet flavorful addition to your meal.
6. Antipasto Platter: Offer an assortment of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses for a variety of tastes that complement each other beautifully.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful twist when served alongside the savory soup.
8. Simple Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits cleanses the palate between bites of hearty pasta e fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pot Pasta e Fagioli can be simple, but avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Not Browning the Meat Properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful dish. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned for the best flavor.
• Ignoring the Veggies: Some cooks skip sautéing the vegetables. Sautéing onion, celery, and carrots enhances their flavors and adds depth to your soup.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long will make it mushy. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it al dente.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: Poor-quality broth can ruin your soup’s taste. Always use a good-quality beef broth for richer flavor.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Every ingredient interacts differently. Taste your dish as you cook and adjust salt and pepper accordingly for balanced seasoning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about One Pot Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

How can I customize my One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap ditalini pasta for any pasta you have on hand.

What type of beans can I use?

You can use any canned beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans, instead of kidney and cannellini beans.

How do I store leftovers of One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on what you have at home. Whether you add more veggies or switch up the proteins, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try!