Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty and comforting, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. This Italian-inspired soup combines ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a quiet evening, this soup is sure to impress with its robust flavors and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of beef, beans, and vegetables creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or different types of beans to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it on chilly days or as a hearty meal for gatherings with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), make sure you have the right tools ready. These essentials will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Ideal for cooking soups as it allows ample space for ingredients to simmer together.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while also helping to break up meat during cooking.

Ingredients

Hearty Italian soup with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in rich tomato broth. Perfect comfort food for cold days!

Protein

• 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables

• 12 ounces chopped onion
• 14 ounces slivered carrots
• 14 ounces diced celery

Beans & Broth

• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans
• 48 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 3/4 quarts beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 48 ounces marinara sauce

Pasta & Garnish

• 8 ounces small shell macaroni (or other small dried pasta shape)
• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

1. In a large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef; break it up while cooking until it starts to brown.
3. Stir in the chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add Beans and Broth

1. Incorporate the cooked red kidney beans and white kidney beans into the pot.
2. Pour in the beef broth along with dried oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce.
3. Simmer everything together until the celery and carrots are tender—about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Once vegetables are tender, add the small shell macaroni to the pot.
2. Allow it to simmer until the pasta is cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley

1. Stir in freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add freshness.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)! This hearty dish serves approximately 16 people—perfect for sharing or meal prepping!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to fit various occasions. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette or sourdough bread makes for an excellent companion, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.

Top with Parmesan Cheese

• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch and enhances the flavors of the soup.

Add a Side Salad

• A simple green salad with Italian dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in small bowls can make it an elegant appetizer for special occasions.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil on top adds color and freshness to each bowl.

Offer Croutons on the Side

• Crunchy croutons provide texture and can be added according to personal preference.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Perfecting this recipe requires attention to detail and an understanding of flavors. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use high-quality beef: Selecting fresh ground beef enhances the overall flavor of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning as needed: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen its flavors, making it even more comforting.
• Cook pasta separately: Consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Customize with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup well.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for soaking up the soup.
2. Caesar Salad
   This popular salad adds crunch and creaminess, balancing out the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini add color and nutrition alongside the soup.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These bite-sized appetizers filled with cheese and herbs offer a flavorful addition that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s richness.
5. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables provides variety and complements the Italian theme of your meal.
6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
   Warm, flaky biscuits topped with gooey cheese make for a comforting side that everyone will love.
7. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a refreshing bite alongside your warm soup.
8. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs add a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth broth of the pasta e fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Incorrect Cooking Time: Not simmering long enough can leave vegetables undercooked. Ensure you follow the recommended cooking time for tender veggies.
• Overcooking Pasta: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Wait until the soup is nearly done before mixing in the pasta.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust spices like oregano and pepper to your preference.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best taste.
• Not Following Instructions: Skipping steps or altering the order can impact the final dish. Stick to the recipe for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe).

Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I spice it up?

If you want more heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or more Tabasco sauce according to your taste.

What type of beans should I use?

While red and white kidney beans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other types like black beans or chickpeas.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try for a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out!