Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot is a comforting dish that captures the essence of Italian flavors right in your kitchen. This hearty soup is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to meal prep for the week. Packed with nutritious beans and aromatic vegetables, this recipe promises to deliver a deliciously satisfying experience without the fuss of traditional cooking methods.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can whip up this flavorful soup in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
• Loaded with Nutrition: The combination of beans and vegetables provides a healthy dose of protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Customizable Flavors: Adjust the spices and heat level to fit your taste preferences, creating a unique dish every time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal option for meal prepping.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit with the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking so much easier. For this recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen gadgets to achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time while infusing flavors more effectively than traditional methods.
• Chef’s Knife: Ensures clean cuts on vegetables, making preparation quicker and safer.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound Italian Ground beef Sausage (Use mild or spicy. You can use 1:1 ground beef : Sausage. 16 oz/454 g.)
• 15 oz Great Northern Beans (Drained & rinsed. 439 g / 1 can.)
• 15 oz Kidney Beans (Drained & rinsed. 439 g / 1 can.)
• 14 oz Diced Tomatoes (with juices. I used Diced tomatoes with basil, oregano & garlic. 1 can / 411 g.)
• 8 oz Tomato Sauce (226 g / 1 can.)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (diluted in about 4 tbsp water.)

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 cup Onion (roughly chopped. Use yellow or white onion.)
• 1.5 tbsp Garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup Carrot (roughly cubed)
• 3/4 cup Celery (roughly chopped. About 2 sticks.)
• 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (you can use small elbow or shell pasta. Use 3/4 cups in that case.)

Oils and Broths

• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Oregano (dried from the bottle.)
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning (dried from the bottle.)
• 1.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (skip if heat intolerant. Use 1.5 tsp if you love spicy food.)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 6 cups Chicken Stock (Use 7–7.5 cups for thinner soup; I used 4 better than bouillon cubes diluted in hot water.)

For Garnishing

• Parsley (fresh flat leaf parsley chopped; use a handful.)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (drizzle on top of the soup.)
• Parmesan Cheese (grated; I did not use any)

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

• Set the Instant Pot on SAUTE & set it on HIGH heat.
• Add olive oil.
• Once hot, add ground meat and sauté until nicely browned, stirring frequently with a spatula.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

• Once browned, add chopped onion and minced garlic.
• Sauté for about one minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables

• Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot.
• Stir well and sauté for another minute.

Step 4: De-glaze the Pot

• Pour chicken stock into the pot.
• Scrape sides and bottom with a spatula to loosen any stuck particles.

Step 5: Add Seasonings

• Mix in paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt.
• Stir everything well.

Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients

• Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste mixed with water, rinsed beans, pasta.
• Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

• CANCEL the SAUTE function.
• Close the lid of the Instant Pot and seal the valve.
• PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for just four minutes.

Step 8: Quick Release Pressure

• Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve from SEALING to VENTING position.
• Open the lid carefully after pressure is released.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

• Serve hot as soon as possible to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

Step 10: Garnish

• Garnish with fresh parsley, crushed black pepper, grated parmesan cheese if desired, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.

This delicious Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Serving your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavor and presentation.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Crushed Black Pepper: Add a dash of black pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a perfect dipping companion.
• Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette makes for a great way to scoop up the soup.

Accompany with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and complements the soup’s richness.
• Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette can balance the hearty flavors.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the dish’s richness and adds depth to every spoonful.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Perfecting your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines for the best results.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality beans, tomatoes, and spices deeply influence the overall flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your cooking time; overcooked pasta can become mushy in the soup.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak spices like oregano or red pepper flakes based on your personal preference.
• Add Fresh Vegetables: Consider adding extra vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, for added nutrients and flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic complement the soup perfectly.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside your pasta fagioli.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with soup.
5. Italian Antipasto Platter: An array of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables gives a flavorful start to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a healthy grain option that balances the rich flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a delicious Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot, be mindful of these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the De-glazing Step: Neglecting to de-glaze can lead to a BURN error during cooking. Always scrape the bottom of the pot after sautéing to prevent this issue.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy. Remember, only pressure cook for 4 minutes to keep it al dente.
• Using Unseasoned Stock: A bland stock will result in a tasteless soup. Opt for well-seasoned chicken stock or add extra spices to enhance flavor.
• Not Rinsing Canned Beans: Canned beans can be high in sodium and may affect your soup’s taste. Rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish but can be overlooked. Always garnish with parsley for added flavor and freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this recipe, here are some common inquiries that may help.

How do I make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot vegetarian?

Simply replace ground beef sausage with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with beans like black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

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

This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers of Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

The Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot is not only comforting but also super customizable. You can easily adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Enjoy crafting this delightful soup that warms both heart and home!