Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty and comforting, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day. With its rich tomato broth filled with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, this dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Not only does it deliver incredible flavor, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be made in large batches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a hearty taste that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can master this comforting soup.
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for batch cooking; enjoy it throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.
• Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite beans or pasta shapes to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors and textures, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Essential for cooking larger quantities of soup evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures quick and precise cutting, making prep time much easier.

Ingredients

To bring this comforting Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) to life, you will need:

Meat

• 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables

• 12 ounces chopped onion
• 14 ounces slivered carrots
• 14 ounces diced celery

Beans and Broth

• 48 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans
• 2 3/4 quarts beef broth

Seasoning and Sauce

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 48 ounces marinara sauce

Pasta & Garnish

• 8 ounces small shell macaroni (or other small dried pasta shape)
• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it starts to brown.
3. Once browned, introduce the chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned tomatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in the cooked red kidney beans and white kidney beans.
2. Pour in the beef broth along with dried oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer until the celery and carrots are tender—about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the small shell macaroni to the pot.
2. Continue simmering until the pasta is cooked through.
3. Finally, stir in chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Now you’re all set to serve up a bowl of delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)! Enjoy this wonderful dish with friends and family on any occasion.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and ensuring a delightful dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Use Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavor.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Garlic breadsticks are perfect for adding a savory crunch alongside your soup.

Add Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Mozzarella Slices: Melted mozzarella can be added just before serving for a gooey texture.

Serve with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well, providing a nice balance of flavors and textures.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

To achieve the best version of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, consider these tips that will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Use Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality beef broth to deepen the flavor of the soup.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering: Allow ample time for simmering; this helps all ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste and adjust seasoning, especially Tabasco, to match your preference for heat.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming too mushy.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options you might enjoy.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks seasoned with garlic; perfect for dipping into your soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing side.
3. Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats (chicken or turkey-based), cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offer great flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while complementing the soup’s richness.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil provide a crunchy contrast.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds protein and bright flavors to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final flavor and texture.

• Boldly skip the browning step: Not properly browning the beef can lead to a bland soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned for depth of flavor.
• Boldly overcooking veggies: Cooking vegetables for too long will make them mushy. Simmer them just until tender to maintain their texture.
• Boldly ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has different salt levels. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings for the best result.
• Boldly using expired ingredients: Old beans or broth can spoil the taste. Always check expiration dates for optimal freshness.
• Boldly crowding the pot: Overfilling your pot can lead to uneven cooking. If you’re making a large batch, use a bigger pot or divide into smaller batches.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and reheat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe).

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How do I thicken the soup?

You can thicken it by adding more pasta or using a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the simmering soup.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

The soup lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Try making it today; it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!