Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful and hearty soup perfect for any occasion. With rich flavors and an abundance of wholesome ingredients, it’s ideal for family dinners, cozy nights, or meal prep. The combination of tender ground beef, colorful veggies, and nourishing beans makes this dish not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this comforting bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling: This soup is loaded with protein and fiber, making it a complete meal that keeps you satisfied.
• Quick to prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Versatile: Great for dinner parties or casual family meals, it’s sure to please both adults and kids alike.
• Flavor-packed: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a robust taste that rivals your favorite restaurant version.
• Easy one-pot meal: Simplify cleanup by cooking everything in one pot—less hassle means more time to enjoy your meal!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking your soup evenly while providing enough space for all the ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise chopping of vegetables, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the flavor balance in your recipe.

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 lean ground beef until no pink is showing.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked:
* Add chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic.
* Stir occasionally until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Combine Sauces

Next:
* Add tomato sauce, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, water, granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Bring this mixture to a boil:
* Let it simmer for about 5–6 minutes.
* Add dry ditalini pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Add Beans

Stir in:
* Dark red kidney beans
* Cannellini beans
Cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary; add more water for a thinner soup if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Ensure everything is well combined:
Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, serving your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate the meal experience.

Classic Soup Bowl

• Serve the soup in deep bowls for a traditional presentation. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with warm, crusty bread. A loaf of sourdough or Italian bread works well for dipping into the rich broth.

Fresh Salad

• Complement the soup with a refreshing green salad. A simple mix of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a light contrast to the hearty soup.

Garlic Breadsticks

• Serve alongside warm garlic breadsticks. Their buttery flavor and soft texture make them an excellent companion to the soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Offer grilled cheese sandwiches on the side for a comforting twist. The melty cheese pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the soup.

Extra Cheese Option

• Set out extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests who want to customize their servings. This adds an extra touch of richness to each bowl.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

For an even better version of this classic soup, follow these helpful tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the taste significantly compared to dried herbs.

• Adjust bean types: Feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or pinto beans for varied texture and flavor.

• Don’t overcook pasta: Cook ditalini pasta al dente before adding it to the soup, as it will continue cooking in the broth.

• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen flavors; just ensure not to let it boil too vigorously.

• Taste before serving: Always taste before serving; adjusting salt and pepper ensures balanced seasoning that enhances every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To round out your meal featuring Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these delightful side dishes that pair nicely with this hearty soup.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.
2. Caprese Salad: Slices of ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, and spices offer savory bites that complement the flavors of the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings depth to your dinner table.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an excellent appetizer option.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs add a comforting side that everyone loves.
7. Cheesy Garlic Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with garlic and cheese creates a flavorful addition that pairs exceptionally well.
8. Zucchini Fritters: These crispy fritters are a delightful way to incorporate more veggies into your meal while being deliciously satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli to the next level. Here are some errors to steer clear of:

• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the ditalini pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it toward the end of cooking and monitor closely.

• Neglecting seasoning: Not tasting your soup before serving may result in bland flavors. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for optimal taste.

• Skipping the sauté step: Adding vegetables without sautéing them first can lead to uneven flavors. Always cook your onions, carrots, and celery until softened for a better base.

• Using canned beans directly: Rinsing your canned beans is essential to remove excess sodium and improve texture. Drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.

• Ignoring simmer time: Not allowing your soup to simmer properly can affect flavor development. Let it simmer at least 5-6 minutes for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).

• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each interval until hot.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding our Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that offers a leaner option while still providing protein.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What can I substitute for ditalini pasta?

If you can’t find ditalini pasta, small shells or elbow macaroni work well as substitutes in this soup recipe.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup is not spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a kick!

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is comforting, hearty, and easy to customize based on what you have at home. Feel free to add more vegetables or use different types of beans for variety. Whether you’re serving it as a meal or a starter, it’s sure to please any crowd!