Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe brings the beloved flavor of the restaurant right to your kitchen. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and delicious beans, it’s a nourishing dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be tailored to suit your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with ground beef and beans, ensuring every bowl is satisfying.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can have a warm meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the veggies based on what you have at home or add extra spices for a kick.
• Family-Friendly: A great way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started with this comforting soup, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together evenly without spills.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring soups without scratching your pot.

Ingredients

This wonderfully hearty soup has it all. Protein from ground beef. Veggies from onions, carrots, and celery. Complex carbs from red kidney beans and cannellini beans.

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 (8oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5oz) can beef broth
• 1 (14.5oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

For the Pasta and Beans:

• 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For Serving:

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving
• Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink is showing.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir well until vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 3: Combine Base Ingredients

Next, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, canned tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring this mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes before adding the ditalini pasta. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until both pasta and vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add Beans

Stir in both kidney beans and cannellini beans; cook until heated through. Taste test and adjust seasoning or add more water if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ensure everything is well combined with hot beans. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread to complement the soup’s flavors and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Crusty Baguette – A sliced, crusty baguette is great for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Basil Leaves – Add a few basil leaves to enhance the aroma and taste of your Pasta e Fagioli.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad – Pair your soup with a classic Caesar salad for a crisp contrast to the warm, hearty dish.
• Greek Salad – A refreshing Greek salad adds vibrant flavors that balance well with the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Making this soup just right can elevate your dining experience. Here are some tips to achieve perfection:

• Use Lean Meat – Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy without sacrificing flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for a personalized touch.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Ensure the ditalini pasta is cooked al dente so it retains its shape and texture in the soup.
• Let it Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops richer flavors. Just be mindful not to overcook the pasta.
• Add More Veggies – Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition.
• Garnish Generously – Don’t skip on garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese; it adds creaminess and depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To create a well-rounded meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair beautifully with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

1. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil make for a light and refreshing side.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients while complementing the flavors of the soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers filled with rice and spices bring an extra layer of satisfaction to the meal.
4. Antipasto Platter – An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety and enhances your dinner spread.
5. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory soup.
6. Simple Green Salad – A basic green salad with vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your soup is perfect.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Overcooking the pasta: It’s essential to cook the ditalini pasta just right; overcooking can make it mushy. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the soup.
• Neglecting to rinse beans: Failing to rinse canned beans can lead to excess sodium and a gritty texture. Always drain and rinse them thoroughly.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Quick cooking can prevent flavors from developing. Allow the soup to simmer adequately for a rich taste.
• Forgetting about leftovers: Leaving the soup out too long can spoil it. Store leftovers properly for future meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for tracking freshness.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli special?

This recipe captures the essence of Olive Garden’s famous soup with robust flavors from ground beef, fresh veggies, and hearty beans.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

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

Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or kale, or throw in some Italian sausage for added flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful bowl of homemade goodness!