Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the comforting taste of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. Packed with protein from ground beef and loaded with vegetables, this soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of beans adds fiber and nutrition, making it not just delicious but also fulfilling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe allows you to whip up a satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Flavorful: The rich blend of spices and ingredients creates a comforting flavor that warms the soul, reminiscent of your favorite restaurant dish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: This soup features lean protein and plenty of veggies, making it a wholesome choice for dinner.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring every bowl is customized to your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later. This soup holds up well in the freezer!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without crowding, ensuring proper heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface; it also helps mix all components thoroughly.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements contribute to consistent flavors in every batch you make.

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
• 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 the Pasta and Beans

• 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: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Break it apart as it cooks for even browning.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked through:
1. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
2. Sauté them until they soften slightly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Next:
1. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, canned tomatoes, water, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil:
1. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
2. Let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Add the dry ditalini pasta:
1. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until vegetables and pasta are tender.

Step 6: Add Beans

Stir in both kidney beans and cannellini beans:
1. Cook until heated through.
2. Adjust seasoning as needed; add more water if desired for a thinner soup.

Ensure everything is well combined before serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top! Enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This delicious soup can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks complement the flavors beautifully.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons provide a refreshing contrast.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Light greens with a simple vinaigrette brighten up the meal.

Garnish

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for added freshness.
• Extra Parmesan: Serve with a side of grated Parmesan cheese for those who love extra cheesy flavor.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To elevate your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips for making it even better.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth for maximum flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: If you prefer a firmer texture, cook the ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Let It Sit: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container; it tastes even better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complement your hearty soup with these delightful side dishes that round out your meal perfectly.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
2. Grilled Veggies: Seasoned zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a colorful, healthy addition.
3. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with garlic and cheese create a comforting side option.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with breadcrumbs and herbs make for an elegant touch.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts seasoned with olive oil give a crunchy contrast to the soup’s texture.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes adds protein and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Using Low-Quality Meat: Always choose lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Avoid fatty cuts that can make the soup greasy.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Properly season your soup with salt and pepper at each step of cooking. This builds depth in flavor.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Ditalini pasta should be cooked just until al dente before adding it to the soup. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta.
• Neglecting to Drain Beans: Make sure to drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly. This removes excess sodium and improves texture.
• Not Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, usually about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lean alternative to beef.

What if I can’t find ditalini pasta?

You can substitute with small shells or elbow macaroni for a similar texture.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for some heat.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with lentils or additional beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful, hearty soup perfect for any dinner occasion. It’s versatile and allows for easy customization—consider adding different veggies or beans based on your preference. Enjoy making this comforting dish at home!

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Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Experience the comforting flavors of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli right in your kitchen. This hearty soup combines lean ground beef with a medley of vegetables, beans, and spices to create a filling dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s not only quick to prepare but also nutritious, packed with protein and fiber. Customize it easily based on what you have on hand, and enjoy the rich flavors that make this soup a favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cans (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (14.5 oz) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
• 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add ditalini pasta; cook for an additional 10 minutes or until tender.
6. Stir in kidney beans and cannellini beans; heat through before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg