Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or meal prep, this soup is filled with fresh vegetables, ground beef, and ditalini pasta. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and fill your home with an inviting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, this soup provides a complete meal in one bowl.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time and about 35 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand; this recipe is flexible to suit your tastes.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze portions for later use.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the tender pasta and rich flavors, making it a hit for all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this comforting soup, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup evenly without spilling over.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for balanced flavors.

Ingredients

This Pasta e Fagioli is a classic Italian-style soup, inspired by the beloved Olive Garden version. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory ground beef, and tender pasta, it offers a robust flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a hearty meal!

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (approximately 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup diced celery (approximately 3 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced (1 Tbsp))
• 3 cans (8 oz each tomato sauce)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each low-sodium chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup water (plus additional as needed)
• 1 can (15 oz diced tomatoes)

For Seasoning

• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Pasta and Beans

• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1 can (15 oz dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz great northern beans, drained and rinsed)

For Garnish

• 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese (for serving)

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium-high heat until tender, about 6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes. Add sugar along with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram. Return cooked beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are soft.

Step 4: Cook Ditalini Pasta

While the soup simmers, cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beans

Add cooked pasta along with kidney beans and great northern beans to the soup. If too thick, add additional broth or water as needed. Allow cooking for an additional minute.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Stir in fresh parsley before serving warm topped with finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

This delicious soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Basil leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Italian bread: Serve warm, allowing guests to dip into the rich broth.
• Garlic breadsticks: A classic companion that complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

Add Cheese

• Finely shredded Romano cheese: This adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall taste.
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a nutty finish.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

To achieve the best version of this comforting soup, keep these tips in mind.

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
• Cook pasta separately: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the soup. Add it just before serving.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances the flavors. Aim for at least 20 minutes after adding all ingredients.
• Store wisely: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Enjoy this hearty soup alongside these delectable side dishes that round out your meal perfectly.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing and croutons offers a refreshing crunch.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and flavorful side.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices add a hearty component to your meal.
4. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted with garlic brings out natural sweetness and adds nutrition.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil make for a tasty appetizer or side.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from grated zucchini provide a deliciously different texture contrast to the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a bland flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding overcooked pasta to the soup can turn it mushy. Cook the ditalini pasta al dente and add just before serving to maintain its texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every broth and canned ingredient varies in sodium content. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
• Using low-quality canned tomatoes: Poor-quality tomatoes can affect the overall taste of your soup. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: A brief cooking time may not allow the flavors to meld properly. Simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for optimal taste.
• Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t match. Don’t skip this final touch before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer individual portions into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I customize my Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers or use different types of beans based on your preference.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Ditalini is traditional, but you can also use small shells or elbow macaroni if desired.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The total time is approximately 50 minutes, including prep and cooking times.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, making it a must-try!