Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful and hearty soup that brings the flavors of the restaurant right to your home. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this recipe showcases a blend of savory beef, fresh vegetables, and delightful beans. Easy to make and full of flavor, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein from ground beef and fiber from beans, making it a complete meal.
• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious homemade soup in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the veggies or add more beans based on what you have on hand for added nutrition.
• Family-Friendly: The comforting flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this tasty Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll want to gather your kitchen tools before you begin cooking.

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, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent results every time.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
– 1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
– 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 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 ground beef until no pink is showing.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

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

Step 3: Combine Sauces

Next, add tomato sauce, beef broth, canned tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring this mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5–6 minutes. Add the ditalini pasta and cook for another 10 minutes or until both the pasta and vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add Beans

Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Cook until they are heated through. If you desire a thinner soup, add more water at this stage.

Step 6: Final Touches

Make sure everything is well combined with hot beans. Serve your hearty soup topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal dish to serve in various ways.

Classic Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Bread – Serve with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping.
• Salad – Pair with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to balance the flavors.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Toppings Bar – Set up a toppings station with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper for guests to customize their bowls.
• Wrap It Up – Use large lettuce leaves to wrap servings of Pasta e Fagioli for a fun, low-carb twist.

Family-Style Presentation

• Large Pot – Serve directly from the pot at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Bowls – Ladle into individual bowls topped with cheese for a more refined presentation.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Making the perfect Pasta e Fagioli requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Choose Quality Meat – Opt for lean ground beef for better flavor without excess fat.
• Fresh Vegetables – Use fresh onions, carrots, and celery for the best taste and texture.
• Simmer Longer – Allow the soup to simmer longer if possible; this deepens the flavors.
• Adjust Consistency – Add more broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup; adjust as needed.
• Season Well – Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving; seasoning can greatly impact flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complement your delicious soup with these side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread spread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up the soup.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds freshness.
3. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender brings color and nutrition.
4. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing appetizer.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice and beans provide a hearty side option.
6. Herb Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice cooked with herbs complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, avoiding common errors can elevate your soup to new heights. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using Low-Quality Beef – Opt for lean ground beef to ensure a rich flavor without excessive grease. Choose quality meat for the best results.
• Skipping the Seasoning – Neglecting salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Overcooking the Pasta – Cooking ditalini pasta too long will make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its texture.
• Not Rinsing Beans – Using unwashed canned beans can introduce excess sodium and an off taste. Always drain and rinse beans before adding them to your dish.
• Ignoring Vegetables – Forgetting to chop vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all veggies are cut into similar sizes for even tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
• Stovetop – Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries regarding Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli that may help you.

Can I make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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

To thicken the soup, let it simmer longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water until desired consistency is achieved.

What can I serve with Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This hearty soup pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread for dipping.

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional, you can substitute any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shells.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only hearty but also comforting and easy to customize. Feel free to experiment with different beans or vegetables according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful recipe that brings the flavors of Olive Garden right into your home!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a delightful soup that brings the essence of Italian dining right to your kitchen. This hearty dish is filled with savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and nutritious beans, making it a complete meal in every bowl. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and offers endless customization options based on your pantry staples. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
• 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
• 2 cans (15 oz each) beans (red kidney and cannellini), drained and rinsed

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; mix well.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 5–6 minutes.
5. Add ditalini pasta; cook for another 10 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in the beans and heat through before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 50mg