Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Get the taste of Olive Garden’s famous Pasta e Fagioli soup at home with this delicious and easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in, this hearty soup is filled with flavor and packed with ingredients that make it a comforting choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: Packed with Italian flavors, every bowl offers a warm and satisfying experience.
• Versatile Meal: Ideal as a main course or a side dish, it pairs perfectly with bread or salad.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and beans, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
• Family-Friendly: The whole family will love this filling soup, making it great for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will help make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot: This is essential for cooking your soup evenly and allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space to chop vegetables efficiently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that you achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

To create your own Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Pasta

• 1 cup Ditalini pasta

Oils and Meats

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)

Vegetables

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)

Broth and Sauces

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz diced tomatoes

Seasonings & Beans

• 1 tsp dried Basil
• salt/pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 15 oz red kidney beans (rinsed/drained)
• 15 oz Great Northern Beans (drained/rinsed)

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot.
1. Cook the Ditalini pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot.
1. Add the Italian sausage.
2. Cook until browned and crumbly, then set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
1. Sauté minced garlic, diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery for about 3-4 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt/pepper, Italian seasoning, cooked sausage, and 1 cup of water.
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2. Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to low after boiling.
1. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 6: Add Beans and Pasta

Add rinsed red kidney beans and Great Northern beans along with cooked pasta into the soup mixture.
Stir gently until combined.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some tasty suggestions to complement this hearty dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Fresh bread, like a baguette or ciabatta, is perfect for dipping into the rich flavors of the soup.

Add a Side Salad

• A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to your meal.

Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese

• Grated Parmesan on top enhances the flavor and adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the soup.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Warm garlic bread can be a delightful accompaniment, providing a crunchy contrast to the soup’s smooth consistency.

Offer Croutons

• Homemade or store-bought croutons add an extra crunch and are great for soaking up the delicious broth.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To make your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried versions.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta just until firm helps it maintain its texture when combined with the soup.
• Simmer Longer for Depth: Letting the soup simmer longer allows all flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste.
• Add Spinach or Kale: For extra nutrients, throw in some fresh spinach or kale just before serving for added color and health benefits.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

When enjoying Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, pairing it with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks
   Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping and complementing the soup’s flavors.

2. Caprese Salad
   Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with olive oil; this salad adds freshness to your meal.

3. Bruschetta
   Topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil on toasted bread; bruschetta offers a crunchy counterpart to the soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender bring out natural sweetness and add variety to your plate.

5. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese provides a comforting side that pairs well with the hearty soup.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Filled with rice or quinoa and veggies, stuffed peppers add texture and flavor variety alongside the soup.

7. Zucchini Fritters
   Crispy fritters made from grated zucchini offer a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup’s warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be straightforward, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Skipping the pasta cooking instructions: Always follow the package directions for your pasta. Undercooked or overcooked pasta can change the texture of the soup.
• Using too much salt: Be cautious with the seasoning, especially if you’re using canned beans or broth, as they can be salty. Start with less and adjust to taste.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and vegetables enhance the flavor significantly. Don’t substitute dried versions if you can help it.
• Not simmering long enough: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors together. Skipping this step can result in a bland dish.
• Overloading with beans: While beans are essential, too many can overpower the soup’s balance. Stick to recommended amounts for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let soup cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion while freezing.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• 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 for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily adapt this recipe by skipping the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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

Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use different bean types according to your preference.

What’s the best way to serve this soup?

Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

How do I store leftover Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy enough for weeknight meals. Feel free to modify it with your favorite veggies or beans!

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: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Experience the comforting warmth of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup right in your kitchen! This hearty, flavorful soup is perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights alike. Packed with nutritious vegetables, protein-rich beans, and aromatic spices, it’s a delightful blend of Italian flavors that everyone will love. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying dish that’s great as a main course or paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Dive into a bowl of homemade goodness that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup Ditalini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage alternative (ground turkey or chicken)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 16 ounces tomato sauce
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 15 ounces red kidney beans (rinsed/drained)
• 15 ounces Great Northern beans (drained/rinsed)

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Instructions

1. Cook Ditalini pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage alternative, cooking until browned and crumbly; set aside.
3. In the same pot, add remaining olive oil and sauté garlic, onion, carrots, and celery for about 3–4 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, cooked sausage alternative, and water; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
6. Add rinsed beans and cooked pasta; stir until combined and heated through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 45mg