Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings. Packed with protein from ground beef and a medley of vegetables, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors. It’s an easy recipe that suits any occasion, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Enjoy the heartiness and warmth of this soup that brings everyone together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with nutrients from beans and veggies, it satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite beans or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the delicious flavors and fun pasta shapes, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for cooking soups; it allows ample space for all ingredients to simmer together beautifully.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precision when chopping vegetables, saving time and effort during prep.
• Measuring cups: Help maintain accuracy in your recipe, ensuring balanced flavors every time.

Ingredients

This wonderfully hearty soup has it all. Protein from ground beef. Veggies from onions, carrots, and celery. Complex carbs from red kidney beans and cannellini beans.

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 (8oz) cans tomato sauce

For the Broth

• 2 (14.5oz) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

For Adding Heartiness

• 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For Serving

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving
• Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked through:
– Add chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic.
– Sauté until vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Combine Broth Ingredients

Next:
– Add tomato sauce, beef broth, canned tomatoes, water, dried basil, dried oregano, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper.
– Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring this mixture to a boil:
– Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 5-6 minutes.
– Add ditalini pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until both vegetables and pasta are tender.

Step 5: Add Beans

Stir in both kidney beans and cannellini beans:
– Cook until heated through.
– Adjust seasoning as necessary; add more water if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 6: Serve

Ensure everything is well combined:
– Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This hearty soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, serving it right can enhance the experience.

Classic Serving Suggestion

• Serve in individual bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Accompanying Bread

• Pair with crusty breadsticks or garlic bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

Salad Pairing

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup nicely.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh chopped parsley or basil can add a pop of color and freshness on top of each serving.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To make this dish truly amazing, follow these helpful tips for an even better flavor and texture.

• Use fresh vegetables: Freshly diced onions, carrots, and celery will enhance the overall taste and texture of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your personal preference.
• Cook pasta al dente: This ensures that your ditalini pasta maintains its shape and doesn’t become mushy in the soup.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a bit longer can help meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

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

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil offer a refreshing contrast.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables roasted until tender make a colorful addition.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with garlic herb cheese add an elegant touch.
6. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the hearty flavors of the soup for a comforting meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your soup.

• Using low-quality beef: Cheap ground beef can lead to a greasy soup. Opt for lean ground beef to ensure a hearty and flavorful dish.
• Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the vegetables properly can result in a bland soup. Always sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding ditalini pasta too early can make it mushy. Cook it just until al dente and add it during the final stages of cooking.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned soup can taste flat. Regularly taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for balance.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Short simmer times can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow the soup to simmer for at least five minutes after adding all ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered dish, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.

What is Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a homemade version of the popular Italian-American soup featuring beans, vegetables, ground beef, and pasta.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Add more beans for protein.

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

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or use different types of beans according to your taste preferences.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta instead of ditalini to make this dish gluten-free while still enjoying its hearty flavors.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and versatile soup that’s perfect for any dinner table. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it appealing to everyone. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite veggies or proteins!