Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

This Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe} is an ultimate comfort dish, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings. Loaded with fresh vegetables and bursting with Italian flavors, this hearty soup is sure to win over your taste buds. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking for a satisfying meal to share with loved ones, this recipe has you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, this soup makes a complete meal in one bowl.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich depth of flavor that will remind you of dining at your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your soup by adding any seasonal vegetables or using different types of beans based on what you have on hand.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will not only make preparation easier but also enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A sturdy pot allows for even heating and plenty of space to simmer all the ingredients together without spills.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and gives you control while mixing ingredients thoroughly.

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Ingredients

For this flavorful Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil, (divided)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water, (then more as desired)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese, for serving
• 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook while stirring occasionally until fully cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Drain any excess fat from the beef then transfer it to a plate. In the same pot, heat the remaining olive oil. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté over medium-high heat until tender, about six minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add low-sodium chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, canned diced tomatoes, granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft—approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Ditalini Pasta

Cook ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain when done.

Step 6: Finalize Soup

Add the cooked pasta along with dark red kidney beans and great northern beans to the soup base. If needed, thin with a little more broth or water.

Step 7: Serve

Allow everything to cook together for one additional minute. Stir in minced parsley before serving warm topped with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

Serving Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few thoughtful touches. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways to suit different occasions and personal preferences.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty loaf pairs perfectly with the soup. It’s great for dipping, soaking up the rich flavors.

Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, balancing the meal nicely.

Cheese Garnish

• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top enhances the flavor and gives a creamy texture.

Minced Herbs

• Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It also provides a lovely herbal note that brightens the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta e Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here’s a selection of great options that complement this comforting dish.

1. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, enhancing its rich flavors.

2. Caprese Salad
   This classic salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella (or a plant-based alternative), and basil adds freshness and acidity.

3. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables provide a hearty complement to the soup.

4. Bruschetta
   Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings earthy flavors that balance the savory notes of the soup.

6. Cheesy Spinach Dip
   A warm dip served with tortilla chips or bread adds creaminess and richness alongside your bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}, it’s easy to miss a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the sauté: Many cooks overlook the importance of sautéing vegetables before adding broth. This step enhances the flavor base significantly.
• Overcooking pasta: Ditalini pasta should be cooked al dente before adding it to the soup. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and alters the texture of your dish.
• Neglecting seasoning: Not seasoning properly can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a difference in flavor. Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
• Not allowing enough simmer time: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow at least 15-20 minutes for the soup to meld.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave space for expansion.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will still provide a hearty base for your soup.

How do I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out beans based on your preference.

What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?

Any small pasta shape will work well in this recipe, such as elbow macaroni or small shells.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Pasta e Fagioli Soup stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge as flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe} is comforting, hearty, and full of Italian flavor. It’s perfect for meal prep or serving on chilly nights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables and beans for a personal touch!