One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This hearty dish combines tender pasta, flavorful beans, and ground beef in a rich broth, making it a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe has you covered with its easy preparation and delicious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one pot and simple steps, you can whip up this meal in under an hour.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of ground beef and Italian seasonings creates a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or appetizer, this dish fits well into any meal plan.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a great way to add nutrients to your diet.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 10 servings, this recipe is ideal for feeding a large group or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for cooking everything in one pot while allowing enough space for all ingredients to combine well.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, keeping your work area organized.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping quick and efficient, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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 & 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 chopping the onion and slicing the carrots and celery. Also, chop the garlic.

Step 2: Rinse the Beans

Rinse and drain both types of beans to remove excess sodium and ensure they are clean.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat:
* Add the ground beef.
* Stir frequently to break up the meat into smaller pieces.
* Drain excess fat if not using lean ground meat once browned.

Step 4: Cook Vegetables

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

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Add the following to your pot:
* Beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and ditalini pasta.
Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat:
– Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.
– Let simmer for about 7 minutes before adding rinsed beans.

Continue cooking until pasta is tender:
– This should take an additional 5-8 minutes while 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 filling dish that can stand alone or be paired with various accompaniments. Serving it right can enhance the flavors and make the meal more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a flavorful twist that complements the dish’s savory notes.

Garnish Options

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness and color, enhancing the presentation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan on top offers a rich, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soup.

Salad Pairings

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the soup’s warmth.
• Mixed Greens: Light dressed mixed greens can balance the heartiness of One Pot Pasta e Fagioli.

How to Perfect One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve a deliciously comforting One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips. Each step contributes to enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Properly sautéing your onions, carrots, and celery will create a deeper flavor base for your broth.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to taste and adjust seasonings during cooking for a personalized flavor profile.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture in the soup.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all flavors together before serving.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

To elevate your meal experience, consider pairing One Pot Pasta e Fagioli with complementary side dishes. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic are perfect for dipping in broth.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella adds brightness to your meal.
3. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, artichokes, and roasted peppers for a variety of flavors and textures.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide nutrients and complement the hearty soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as an excellent side filled with grains or beans.
6. Crispy Polenta Fries: These add crunch and can be dipped into the soup for an enjoyable contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Pasta e Fagioli, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the Vegetables: Neglecting to add enough vegetables can lead to a bland dish. Always include onion, celery, and carrots for flavor and nutrition.
• Not Browning the Meat: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Take the time to properly brown it before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta for too long can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and watch it closely for the perfect al dente texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season adequately can dull flavors. Don’t skip salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; adjust them based on your taste.
• Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth instead of warm can slow down cooking time. Always use warm broth to maintain a consistent temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

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

Reheating One Pot Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot. Adjust timing based on your microwave’s wattage.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?

One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta, beans, and meat, all cooked together in one pot for convenience and flavor.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will still provide rich flavor while being leaner.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more beans for protein.

Can I customize the beans used in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap kidney beans or cannellini beans with any beans you prefer or have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans.

How do I store leftover One Pot Pasta e Fagioli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or appetizer, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Try adding different vegetables or spices for a unique twist!