Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe brings the comforting flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this hearty soup is packed with rich tastes and nutritional goodness. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have a delicious dish that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under an hour.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with beans, beef, and vegetables, this soup is sure to keep you full and happy.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to match your taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful dish, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious pasta e fagioli, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Small pot (for pasta)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly while allowing ample space for all ingredients.
• Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly without scratching cookware surfaces.

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
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

For the Beans

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

For Flavoring

• 3 cups beef broth
• 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, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, beef broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and 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

Stir pasta into soup just before serving. (Or keep it separate to avoid soggy noodles in leftovers.)

Step 6: Garnish & Enjoy

Top with chopped parsley or shredded Parmesan if desired.

Now you’re ready to indulge in a warm bowl of this delightful soup! Enjoy every bite of your homemade 🍲 Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

How to Serve  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving your delicious Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can enhance the dining experience. Here are some great ways to present this hearty soup that will impress your family or guests.

With Fresh Bread

• Pair with crusty bread: A warm, crusty baguette or Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.

With Salad

• Serve alongside a garden salad: A fresh green salad topped with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening each bowl of soup.

With Cheese

• Offer shredded cheese: Sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella on top for added creaminess and flavor.

As a Main Dish

• Serve in larger portions: This soup is satisfying enough to be a main dish, especially when served with sides.

In Bowls

• Use rustic bowls: Serving in rustic-style bowls adds charm and makes the meal feel more authentic and inviting.

How to Perfect  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the perfect flavor and texture in your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips.

• Use quality broth: A good quality beef broth enhances the depth of flavor in your soup. Homemade broth is ideal!
• Don’t rush the veggies: Sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened ensures they contribute their full flavor to the dish.
• Cook pasta separately: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in leftovers. Add it just before serving for best texture.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt and pepper based on your preferences for a more personalized flavor.
• Let it sit: If time allows, letting the soup rest for a while enhances its flavors. Reheating can make it even better.
• Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and flavors, like black beans or chickpeas.

Best Side Dishes for  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complementing your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with delightful side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Bread – Warm slices of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a zesty contrast.
3. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar make for a light appetizer.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add health benefits and make your meal colorful.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed bell peppers can serve as a hearty side that pairs well with the soup.
6. Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats (substituting turkey or chicken) adds variety and interest.
7. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta provides an extra dose of nutrition.
8. Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette complements the warm soup nicely while adding texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Always brown your meat thoroughly for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Cook ditalini separately and add it just before serving.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient has its own flavor profile. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to ensure a well-seasoned soup.
• Neglecting vegetable prep: Chopping vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Dice carrots and celery uniformly for even tenderness.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth will make your soup lackluster. Invest in good quality beef broth for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is  Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This is a hearty Italian soup that combines ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta simmered in a rich broth.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or lamb can be excellent substitutes for beef if you prefer different flavors.

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

You can add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini or switch up the beans according to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better after sitting overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. Whether served as a comforting dinner or packed for lunch, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!