Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a comforting bowl of warmth that you can enjoy any day of the week. This hearty soup combines rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. With tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and wholesome beans, this recipe captures the essence of Italian cuisine right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and Filling: With protein-rich beef and nutritious beans, it satisfies your hunger.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or pasta shapes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: A delicious blend of spices and ingredients that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items to have on hand when preparing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking soup, allowing enough space for all ingredients to combine properly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring precision and cleanliness.
• Sharp knife: Makes slicing through vegetables quick and easy, enhancing your cooking efficiency.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 tsp. minced garlic

Broths and Sauces

• 3 8oz. cans tomato sauce
• 2 14.5oz. cans low sodium beef broth
• 1 14.5oz. can petite diced tomatoes

Beans and Seasonings

• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 15oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained
• 1 15oz. can cannellini beans, drained
• 2 tsp. salt, more or less to taste
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Pasta and Toppings

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• Parmesan cheese for topping

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat before returning it to the stove.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the tomato sauce, low sodium beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil then reduce heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta

While the soup is simmering, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions until al-dente.

Step 5: Combine Beans with Soup

After simmering, stir in both kidney beans and cannellini beans into the soup. Allow them to heat through while checking seasoning; add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Drain the cooked ditalini pasta before adding it into the soup pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Serve with Cheese

Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience with Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve warm slices of crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread for an extra flavor kick.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory finish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Add shredded cheddar for a creamy texture and bold flavor.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a tangy dressing that complements the soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

With Additional Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
• Croutons: Top with crunchy croutons for texture and extra flavor.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

To ensure your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup turns out just right, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking ditalini pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer melds the flavors beautifully.
• 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 Soup

Complement your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup with these delectable side dishes that enhance your meal.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes for a flavorful appetizer.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer a hearty addition.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips provides a delicious contrast.
6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats creates an appealing variety on the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can diminish the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the sauté – Not sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup can lead to a bland flavor. Always take the time to cook them until soft for a richer taste.
• Overcooking pasta – Cooking the ditalini pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al-dente to keep it firm in the soup.
• Neglecting seasoning – Forgetting to adjust salt and pepper after cooking can result in an unseasoned dish. Always taste and adjust at the end for optimal flavor.
• Using low-quality broth – A poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your soup. Opt for low sodium beef broth that enhances flavors without being overly salty.
• Not allowing enough simmering time – Rushing through the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing fully. Aim for at least 10 minutes of simmering for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup?

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and ditalini pasta cooked in a rich tomato broth.

Can I use other types of meat?

You can certainly substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lamb if you prefer a different protein option while maintaining similar flavors.

How do I customize my Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or swap out beans based on your preference. This recipe is versatile!

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of ditalini.

How can I thicken my soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of broth used or let it simmer longer. Adding pureed beans also works as a thickener.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep during busy weeks—give it a try today!