Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Delight in the comforting flavors of  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a hearty soup perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe captures the essence of the beloved restaurant dish, bringing together ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful beans in a savory broth. With its rich taste and simple preparation, this pasta fagioli is sure to become a go-to meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe can be whipped up in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out beans or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day—ideal for meal prep!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious soup, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process, ensuring everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly while allowing plenty of space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced

For the Broth and Beans

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth

For Seasoning

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley or Parmesan for garnish

How to Make 🍲 Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, both types of beans, beef broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately

In a small pot, cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Just before serving, stir the cooked pasta into the soup. Alternatively, keep it separate to avoid soggy noodles when storing leftovers.

Step 6: Garnish & Enjoy

Top your delicious soup with freshly chopped parsley or shredded Parmesan if desired. Enjoy this warm bowl of comfort!

How to Serve 🍲 Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving your delicious copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this hearty soup.

Classic with Bread

• Crusty French Bread: Serve warm, crusty French bread on the side for dipping into the soup. It complements the flavors beautifully.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with garlic breadsticks for a flavorful addition that guests will love.

Garnish Options

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to each bowl.
• Grated Cheese: Offer shredded Parmesan cheese for those who want a creamy touch to their soup.

Salad Pairing

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad can balance out the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens bring a healthy element to your meal.

Best Side Dishes for  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Knots: These soft knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for soaking up leftover broth.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an excellent appetizer that complements the main dish.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheese, and marinated veggies offers variety and enhances the Italian theme.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds fresh flavors that pair wonderfully with the soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide healthy sides that complement the heartiness of Pasta e Fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta too long can lead to mushy noodles in your soup. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Skipping the seasoning: Underseasoning can make your soup bland. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Not draining beans properly: If you don’t rinse and drain your canned beans, they can introduce excess sodium and a metallic taste. Always rinse them thoroughly before adding them to your soup.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and flavor to your dish. Don’t skip this step; sprinkle it on top just before serving for the best results.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component of flavor in this soup. Opt for a good-quality beef broth or homemade stock for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This soup freezes well for up to 2–3 months, but it’s best to keep pasta separate until reheating.

Reheating  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli that can help you get the most out of this recipe.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. It will still provide delicious flavor when seasoned properly.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just make sure they cook well within the simmering time.

What type of beans should I use?

You can use kidney beans and great northern beans or cannellini beans based on your preference. Both options work well in this hearty soup!

Final Thoughts

This  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various proteins or vegetables according to what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness that captures the essence of dining at Olive Garden right at home!