Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty and satisfying, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is a delicious way to bring the comfort of Italian cuisine right into your home. Packed with ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Its unique blend of flavors makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual weeknight meals to special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Comfort: This soup is rich in taste, combining savory beef and aromatic herbs.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without fuss.
• Nourishing Ingredients: Loaded with beans and veggies, it’s both filling and nutritious.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it alone or with crusty bread for dipping; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Ladle
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Ideal for simmering soups; its size allows for even cooking and blending of flavors.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easy and safe, ensuring uniform pieces.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving soup without spills; it helps transfer the soup neatly into bowls.

Ingredients

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

For the Soup Base

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 12 ounces chopped onion
• 14 ounces slivered carrots
• 14 ounces diced celery
• 48 ounces canned diced tomatoes

For the Beans and Broth

• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans
• 2 3/4 quarts beef broth

For Seasoning and Sauce

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

For the Pasta Topping

• 8 ounces small shell macaroni (or other small dried pasta shape)

For Garnish

• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook the beef in the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Break it up until it starts to brown evenly.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the onions, carrots, celery, and canned tomatoes to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Incorporate Beans and Broth

Stir in the red kidney beans, white kidney beans, beef broth, oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer until celery and carrots are tender; this should take about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once vegetables are tender, add the small shell macaroni (or another small pasta). Continue simmering until pasta is cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, stir in chopped parsley for added freshness. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

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

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can elevate your meal. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Classic Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
• Grated Parmesan: Add a sprinkle of cheese for richness.

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Complement with soft garlic breadsticks for added flavor.

Salad Options

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad balances the warm soup perfectly.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a refreshing side.

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

Perfecting this soup requires attention to detail and some thoughtful adjustments. With these tips, you can achieve a truly comforting dish.

• Use Quality Beef: Select lean ground beef for a healthier option that still delivers flavor.
• Experiment with Beans: Mix different beans like black or pinto for variety in texture and taste.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavor development.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking for a personalized flavor profile.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted with garlic butter, this classic side is perfect for dipping.
2. Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle on toast add brightness.
3. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice and vegetables to complement the soup.
5. Cheesy Flatbreads: Soft flatbreads topped with cheese are great for scooping up soup.
6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables enhances the Italian theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always take time to brown the meat for depth in flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it during the last few minutes of simmering to keep it al dente.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient can vary in taste. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings like pepper or oregano as needed before serving.
• Using low-quality broth: A good broth is the backbone of any soup. Opt for high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for better flavor and richness.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness at the end. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool down before sealing the container.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe).

What makes this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) special?

This recipe replicates the rich flavors of Olive Garden’s original by using quality ingredients and spices that create a comforting bowl of soup.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I thicken my Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

To thicken your soup, try adding more beans or using a cornstarch slurry made with water. Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize with zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These additions will enhance flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. This comforting soup is perfect for cold days and is sure to impress anyone who tries it!

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

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Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the warm embrace of Italian comfort with this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe). This hearty soup is brimming with flavors, featuring tender ground beef, two types of beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this nutritious dish not only satisfies your cravings but also warms you from the inside out. Whether served alone or alongside crusty bread, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, this delightful soup is a go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 12 ounces chopped onion
• 14 ounces slivered carrots
• 14 ounces diced celery
• 48 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans
• 2 3/4 quarts beef broth
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 48 ounces marinara sauce
• 8 ounces small shell macaroni
• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
2. Add chopped onion, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned tomatoes; simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables soften.
3. Stir in kidney beans, beef broth, oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce; bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Add small shell macaroni; continue simmering until cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg