One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This flavorful, hearty soup combines ground beef, tender pasta, and nutrient-rich beans in one pot. Its comforting flavors will remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and clean up, allowing you to enjoy more time with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one pot needed, this recipe simplifies cooking and cleanup.
• Flavorful Comfort: Savory broth combined with beef and beans creates a warm, comforting meal.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course; customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish supports a balanced diet.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups; allows for even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without damaging your countertops.
• Chef’s knife: A versatile tool that makes chopping ingredients quick and efficient.

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 Soup 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 Vegetables

Start by prepping your vegetables for the soup.
1. Chop the onion into small pieces.
2. Slice the carrots and celery into bite-sized chunks.
3. Mince the garlic finely.

Step 2: Rinse Beans

Next, handle your beans before adding them to the mix.
1. Open both cans of kidney beans and cannellini beans.
2. Rinse under cold water and drain well.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Get cooking by browning your ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven.
1. Heat over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef, stirring to break it up as it cooks.
3. If using fatty meat, drain excess fat after browning.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add your chopped vegetables to build flavor.
1. Mix in onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with beef.
2. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until softened.
3. Reduce heat to medium; add garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to create the soup base.
1. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and ditalini pasta.
2. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low; let it simmer for about 7 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Add beans for extra protein and continue cooking until everything is tender.
1. Stir in rinsed beans after about 7 minutes of simmering.
2. Cook until pasta is tender—about another 5-8 minutes—stirring occasionally.

Enjoy your delicious One Pot Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance the experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley for an added flavor boost and color.

Add Grated Cheese

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on top for a rich, savory finish.

Offer a Side Salad

• A simple side salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup nicely.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls adds a touch of elegance to your meal.

Include Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of lemon juice enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.

How to Perfect One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

To make your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook; feel free to adjust salt and pepper according to your preferences.
• Try Different Beans: Experiment with other types of beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Aim for al dente pasta; it will absorb some broth without becoming mushy.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking; this lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Complement your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli with these delightful side dishes that pair well together.

1. Garlic Bread: Oven-baked garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
2. Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal.
4. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and creaminess that balances well with the soup.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar is a tasty appetizer.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a filling side dish that complements the main course.
7. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies can enhance your dining experience.
8. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad tossed in vinaigrette offers a unique twist alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pot Pasta e Fagioli can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.

• Not browning the meat properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful dish. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned for better depth of flavor.
• Skipping the vegetable sautéing step: Avoiding this step means missing out on caramelizing the onions and enhancing their sweetness. Always sauté your vegetables before adding liquids.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can lead to mushy results. Add the pasta towards the end of cooking and monitor it closely for perfect al dente texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper at the end may not provide enough flavor. Season throughout the cooking process for balanced taste.
• Using cold broth or water: Starting with cold liquid can slow down cooking time. Use warm broth to help maintain temperature and speed up cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning into smaller servings for easy thawing.

Reheating One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in a covered dish and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, covered loosely, at medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and ground beef cooked together in one pot for easy preparation.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative while still providing great flavor in your One Pot Pasta e Fagioli.

How do I make it vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and replace it with your choice of plant-based protein or additional beans, using vegetable broth instead.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! Feel free to mix beans according to your preference. Chickpeas or black beans would also complement this dish nicely.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the type of beans used. It’s a comforting recipe perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!