Olive Garden Pasta

Classic Olive Garden Pasta Recipe from Italy with Ground Beef and Kidney Beans

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Olive Garden Pasta is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting meal.

History

Olive Garden Pasta is inspired by the classic Italian pasta dishes that have been enjoyed for generations. This recipe combines traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist, creating a dish that is both timeless and innovative.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, julienned or chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 can white kidney beans, drained
3 cans beef stock
3 tsp oregano
2 tsp pepper
5 tsp parsley
1 tsp tabasco sauce (optional)
1 jar spaghetti sauce
8 oz (227 g) pasta

How to prepare

Brown the beef in a skillet.
Drain the fat from the beef and add it to the crockpot along with all the other ingredients except for the pasta.
Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours.
During the last 30 minutes on high or 1 hour on low, add the pasta.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of this dish, be sure to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot. This will help to develop a rich and savory taste that will infuse the entire dish. Additionally, adding the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking will ensure that it is perfectly cooked and not overdone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Olive Garden Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe is made in a crockpot, which allows the flavors to meld together slowly over several hours. This results in a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can customize this recipe by using different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni. You can also add in other ingredients such as olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for this dish ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Olive Garden Pasta in a large bowl and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread and olive oil for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Olive Garden Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Olive Garden Pasta contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Olive Garden Pasta contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Olive Garden Pasta contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Olive Garden Pasta contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Olive Garden Pasta is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain dairy from the spaghetti sauce. Please check the labels of your ingredients if you have any allergies.

Summary

Olive Garden Pasta is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Olive Garden Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Olive Garden Pasta. It was a warm summer day and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I shuffled through the faded index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, I stumbled upon a well-worn piece of paper with the title "Olive Garden Pasta" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive handwriting.

I had always been a fan of the Olive Garden restaurant, with its cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian dishes. I had often tried to replicate their pasta dishes at home, but they never quite turned out the same. So, when I saw this recipe, I knew I had to give it a try.

The recipe itself was simple, with just a handful of ingredients – pasta, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. But it was the technique that intrigued me the most. The instructions called for sweating the garlic in the olive oil until it was golden brown, then adding in the tomatoes and simmering them until they were soft and fragrant. Finally, the pasta was tossed in the sauce and topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs.

I had never made pasta quite like this before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the recipe to the letter. As the garlic sizzled in the pan and the tomatoes released their sweet aroma, I could already tell that this dish would be something special.

When it was finally time to taste the finished pasta, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The flavors were rich and complex, with the sweetness of the tomatoes balancing perfectly with the sharpness of the garlic and the freshness of the herbs. It was like a taste of Italy in my own kitchen.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I served it at a dinner party that weekend, and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was and begged me for the recipe. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had mastered a dish that had eluded me for so long.

As time went on, I continued to make Olive Garden Pasta regularly, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would add in some spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or swap out the tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. But no matter how I changed it up, the core of the dish remained the same – simple, rustic, and delicious.

I often think back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Olive Garden Pasta. It was a turning point for me in my culinary journey, a moment when I realized that with a little curiosity and determination, I could master even the most challenging of dishes. And for that, I am forever grateful.