Pasta e Fagioli Olive Garden Style

Olive Garden is one of our favorites with their soups, salad, and breadsticks.  McKenzie began making this for us while she was still in high school.

1 c ditalini pasta or mini shells
2 T olive oil
1 lb hamburger
3 cloves garlic
1 onion diced
3 carrots peeled and diced
3 stalks celery diced
3 cups chicken broth
1 16 oz can tomato sauce
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon oregano
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper to tast
15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz can of Great northern beans , drained and rinsed



Cook pasta  drain and set aside.

Saute  ground beef in oil in large 10 qt pot until brown.  Add onions, carrots, celery  and garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Whisk in chicken broth , tomato sauce, basil, oregano thyme, Hamburger and 1 c water.  Season with salt and pepper.  Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer covered until vegetables are tender.

Stir in pasta and beans until heated through
Serve immediately.