Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot is a delightful dish that captures the essence of the beloved restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. This heartwarming soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Packed with nutritious ingredients like beans, vegetables, and robust spices, this recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table in just a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can prepare this delicious soup in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a rich flavor that will warm your soul.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with protein-rich beans and fresh vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to customize the recipe by adjusting spices or swapping out pasta types to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal choice for meal planning.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time significantly while infusing flavors deeply into your dish.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for uniform cooking, which enhances presentation and texture.
• Stirring spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.

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.)
• 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.)

For Seasoning and Garnish

• 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (**you can use small elbow or shell pasta. Use 3/4 cups in that case.)
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt (to taste) (**use according 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.)
• Parsley (**fresh flat leaf parsley chopped, use handful.)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (**drizzle 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 oil. When the oil becomes hot gently release the ground meat and sauté until nicely browned. Stir frequently with a spatula.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once browned, add chopped onion & garlic to the pot and sauté for about a minute.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables

Throw in chopped carrots and celery; give everything a good stir and sauté for another minute.

Step 4: Add Stock

Pour in stock and de-glaze the pot carefully by scraping the sides & bottom with a spatula to loosen any stuck food particles.

Step 5: Seasoning

Add all seasonings like paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes & salt, then stir well.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste (diluted), canned beans (rinsed), and pasta to the pot; mix thoroughly.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

CANCEL the SAUTE function. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, seal the valve, and PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for just 4 minutes.

Step 8: Quick Release

Once pressure cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve from SEALING to VENTING position; open lid carefully.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

The amazing wholesome Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli is ready! Serve almost immediately as prolonged sitting may overcook pasta.

Step 10: Garnish

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crushed black pepper, grated parmesan (if using), and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli from the Instant Pot is an excellent way to enjoy a comforting meal. This soup is not only hearty but also versatile, allowing for various serving styles that enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added freshness and a pop of color.
• Basil Leaves: Torn basil leaves can add an aromatic touch to each bowl.

With Bread

• Crusty Breadsticks: Serve with warm breadsticks to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the soup perfectly and adds more flavor.

As a Main Dish

• Garnished Bowl: Serve it in deep bowls garnished with extra virgin olive oil and black pepper for a restaurant-style presentation.
• With Salad: Pair with a light salad to balance the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

To ensure your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli turns out perfect every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
• Control Pasta Texture: For al dente pasta, be mindful of cooking times. Avoid letting it sit too long in the soup after cooking.
• Experiment with Broth: Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken stock for richer flavor.
• Customize Protein: Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or lamb for variation in taste.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli can create a more satisfying meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons adds a crunchy contrast.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized complement the warmth of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and herbs create an exciting addition to your meal.
5. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety and flavor.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins can enhance the overall taste and texture when dipped into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to a more flavorful and satisfying soup. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the meat and vegetables builds flavor. Don’t rush this step; let everything brown nicely.
• Using unseasoned stock: A bland broth can lead to a dull soup. Always use well-seasoned chicken stock or broth for depth.
• Overcooking pasta: Adding pasta too early will make it mushy. Add it with just enough cooking time left to remain al dente.
• Neglecting to de-glaze: Failing to scrape the bottom of the pot can cause a burn warning. Always de-glaze after sautéing to avoid this.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can affect cooking time. Make sure your broth and other components are at room temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot.

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

You can substitute ground beef sausage with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegan version.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While Ditalini is traditional, you can easily swap it with small elbow or shell pasta depending on your preference.

How long does Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot last in the fridge?

The soup lasts for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries! You can experiment with what you have on hand or adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot is not just delicious but also adaptable. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings according to what you enjoy. This comforting dish is perfect for any day, so give it a try!