Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this soup is filled with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a variety of beans and pasta. With its rich tomato broth, it’s guaranteed to warm you up on chilly nights while satisfying your cravings for Italian comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a soup that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this soup by adding seasonal vegetables or using different types of pasta.
• Hearty Meal: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish will keep you full and satisfied.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the delicious taste and textures in each bowl.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A versatile tool for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 3 8oz. cans tomato sauce
• 2 14.5oz. cans low sodium beef broth
• 1 14.5oz. can petite diced tomatoes

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. salt, more or less to taste
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

For Beans and Pasta

• 1 15oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained
• 1 15oz. can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

For Serving

• Parmesan cheese for topping

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and return it to the stove.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 3–4 minutes until they become tender.

Step 3: Add Tomato Ingredients

Stir in tomato sauce, low sodium beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Ditalini Pasta

While your soup simmers, bring a small pot of water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions until al-dente.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans

Once the soup has simmered for 10 minutes, add in the drained kidney beans and cannellini beans. Stir until heated through; adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta

Drain your cooked pasta and add it directly into the soup mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Top individual bowls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing the experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Italian Bread: Serve slices of warm sourdough or Italian bread on the side for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with garlic breadsticks for a classic Italian touch.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the soup for a burst of color and flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of grated parmesan adds richness and enhances the soup’s savory notes.

As Part of a Meal

• Salad Starter: Begin your meal with a light salad, like a Caesar or mixed greens, to balance the hearty soup.
• Dessert Pairing: Conclude your dinner with a refreshing dessert, such as sorbet or tiramisu, to cleanse the palate.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is easy with a few simple tips. These tricks will ensure your soup is flavorful and satisfying every time you make it.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Freshly diced carrots, celery, and onions enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper gradually during cooking. Taste as you go to achieve your desired flavor.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer than recommended to deepen flavors; just keep an eye on pasta doneness.
• Customize Pasta Choices: Feel free to substitute ditalini with any small pasta shapes you enjoy, like elbow macaroni or orzo.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh caprese salad adds brightness with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Antipasto Platter: An assorted platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers provides delightful variety.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes for a refreshing appetizer.
5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crunch and creaminess that balances the soup’s heartiness.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs add an earthy element to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup, there are some common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture. Here’s how to steer clear of them:

• Using low-quality ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth. This ensures your soup is flavorful and satisfying.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to adjust salt and pepper can result in a bland dish. Taste as you go and add seasonings gradually.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you add pasta too early, it can become mushy. Cook it separately until al-dente and mix it in last.
• Neglecting to stir occasionally: Leaving the soup unattended can cause it to stick or scorch. Stir regularly during simmering for even cooking.
• Skipping the simmering step: Rushing through the simmering process can lead to underdeveloped flavors. Allow at least 10 minutes for the ingredients to meld together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• It will maintain quality for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup or have some questions, here are some common inquiries:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide a hearty flavor while being leaner.

What kind of beans should I use in Pasta E Fagioli Soup?

Kidney beans and cannellini beans work perfectly together; however, you can substitute other beans based on your preference.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply replace ground beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and flavor.

How long does it take to make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup?

The total preparation and cooking time is about 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can tailor it with different proteins or veggies based on your taste preferences. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a delightful, hearty dish that brings the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. This easy-to-make soup combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a variety of beans with ditalini pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, it’s a meal that guarantees satisfaction on chilly nights. With its robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this Pasta E Fagioli Soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 3 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (14.5 oz.) low sodium beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz.) dark red kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic; sauté for about 3–4 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions until al-dente; drain.
5. Add drained kidney and cannellini beans to the soup; stir until heated through.
6. Combine cooked pasta into the soup mixture; stir well.
7. Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg