Pasta e Fagioli - (copycat Olive Garden) - Adventures in Everyday Cooking

cannellini beans

🥗Healthier: navy beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Navy beans are lower in calories, while pinto beans are often less expensive.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy, while Pecorino is often more affordable.

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat.

Brown ground beef. Drain fat from beef and transfer the beef to a plate, set aside.

Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in the same pot and add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté about 6 minutes or until tender.

Add garlic and sauté 1 minute only.

Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram and cooked beef. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

If needed, add ½-1 cup of water to make soupier if desired.

Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until veggies are soft, about 15 - 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare ditalini pasta according to directions on package, cooking to al dente.

Add cooked and drained pasta to soup along with kidney beans and great northern beans. Allow to cook 1 minute longer.

Stir in parsley, serve warm with Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens