Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic Italian soup. Bursting with fresh vegetables, savory ground beef, and tender ditalini pasta, it is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. You can enjoy this hearty dish any time of the year, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. The robust flavors and comforting warmth will surely make it a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: This soup combines savory meat, aromatic herbs, and fresh veggies for a deliciously satisfying meal.
• Easy to make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
• Customizable: Feel free to add more vegetables or beans based on what you have at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for making soups; it allows ample space for ingredients to simmer.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor balance in your dish.

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Ingredients

To create this flavorful Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 Beans and Pasta

• 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 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 the vegetables become tender, approximately 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

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

Step 4: Cook Ditalini Pasta

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

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add cooked pasta along with kidney beans and great northern beans to the soup mixture. If soup thickens too much, add additional broth or water as needed. Let cook for an additional minute.

Step 6: Serve

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, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Serving this hearty Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a delight. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the overall experience.

Offer a Cheese Selection

• Provide finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese on the side, allowing guests to add as much as they like.

Create a Soup Bar

• Set up a soup bar with various toppings like extra beans, diced vegetables, and spices for a fun interactive meal.

Pair with a Salad

• A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Achieving the best version of this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is easy with these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; flavors develop during cooking.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent overcooked pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances the flavor profile and tenderness of vegetables.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe can enhance your meal. Here are some perfect options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter is ideal for soaking up the delicious broth.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, this appetizer adds freshness before the main course.
4. Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for colorful bites.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a hearty side that complements the soup well.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies adds nutritional value and flavor variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to less flavor in your soup. Always take the time to cook it until well browned.

• Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables unevenly can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture.

• Overcooking the pasta: If you add undercooked pasta directly to the soup, it may become mushy. Cook it al dente before adding it to maintain its texture.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for the best flavor.

• Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your soup. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better flavor control.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 8-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe that might help you along your cooking journey.

Can I make this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe vegetarian?

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting ground beef with lentils or extra beans and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How long does this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe take?

This recipe takes approximately 50 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is traditional for Pasta e Fagioli due to its small size and ability to hold onto flavors. However, you can use any small pasta shapes if needed.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes! Canned beans are convenient and save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to your soup.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction with each bowl. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or switch up the beans. Give it a try today!