Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful blend of flavors that brings the warmth of a comforting meal right to your table. With hearty ingredients and robust spices, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Its blend of proteins, beans, and fresh vegetables ensures that every bite is packed with nutrition and taste. Whether you serve it on a chilly evening or as part of a family feast, this recipe will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup combines protein from ground beef and fiber-rich beans, making it a satisfying meal.
• Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dish, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as an appetizer; it fits any occasion seamlessly.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of spices and fresh veggies guarantees a burst of flavor in every spoonful.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting soup, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without any spills.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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) can 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
– 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
– 1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
– 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving
– Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until there is no pink showing.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Incorporate the Sauces

Next, add tomato sauce, beef broth, canned tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring this mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5–6 minutes before adding the ditalini pasta. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the vegetables and pasta are tender.

Step 5: Add Beans

Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Cook until heated through. If desired, add more water to achieve your preferred soup consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Make sure everything is well combined and hot. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the soup.
• Crusty French Baguette – Slices of fresh baguette provide a great way to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.

With a Salad

• Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Garden Salad – A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and color to your meal.

With Cheese

• Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – These cheesy bites make for a fun side that complements the soup’s heartiness.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To ensure your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli turns out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture. Opt for fresh garlic, onions, and herbs whenever possible.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go! If you prefer a bolder flavor, don’t hesitate to add more salt or spices according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – For the best texture, cook ditalini pasta just until al dente before adding it to the soup. It will continue cooking in the broth.
• Let It Sit – Allowing the soup to rest for 10 minutes after cooking lets all flavors meld together beautifully.
• Freeze Leftovers – This soup freezes well! Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months for a quick meal later.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Complement your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with these delightful side dishes that enhance your dining experience.

1. Garlic Knots – Soft and buttery, these knots are perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a vibrant salad that adds balance to your meal.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – Baked mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make for an impressive appetizer.
4. Antipasto Platter – A colorful array of olives, cheeses, and cured meats provides variety and flavor.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized complement the soup’s hearty profile with their natural sweetness.
6. Polenta Fries – Crispy polenta fries deliver a delightful crunch alongside the smooth textures of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook it until no pink remains for the best taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding ditalini pasta directly to the pot and cooking it too long can make it mushy. Cook it just until al dente for optimal texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can result in a bland soup. Always check for salt and pepper before serving.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Failing to rinse canned beans can add excess sodium and an off flavor. Rinse them thoroughly to enhance the taste of your soup.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Chopping vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking times. Ensure all veggies are chopped into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Not letting it simmer: Skipping the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow your soup to simmer for at least 5-6 minutes for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli that might help you enjoy this recipe even more.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will work well in this recipe and provide a leaner option.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

You can replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What other beans can I use in Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to experiment with different beans like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer. Just make sure they are cooked or canned.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers would enhance both flavor and nutrition. Just chop them small enough so they cook through easily.

How spicy is this soup?

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes if you want some heat!

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only hearty but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables while keeping its comforting essence. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!