Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavors and hearty ingredients that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and beans in a flavorful broth. It’s an easy recipe that might just become your go-to meal for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, this soup is sure to keep you full.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great as a main dish or served alongside crusty bread for dipping, it fits various meal plans.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a depth of flavor that rivals restaurant versions.
• Kid-Friendly: This soup’s mild taste and fun pasta shape make it appealing to younger eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup and ensuring all ingredients cook evenly without overflow.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, helping you prep efficiently.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, providing gentle mixing for even heat distribution.

Ingredients

To make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup, you’ll need the following 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

For the Liquid Components

• 3 8oz. cans tomato sauce
• 2 14.5oz. cans low sodium beef broth
• 1 14.5oz. can petite diced tomatoes

For Flavoring

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

For Texture

• 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 fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary and return it to the stove.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the tomato sauce, low sodium beef broth, canned tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately

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

Step 5: Combine Beans

Once your soup has simmered for the designated time, stir in both the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Allow them to heat through completely while checking seasoning; add water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Step 6: Mix in Pasta

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

Step 7: Serve Hot

Top each serving with freshly grated parmesan cheese before enjoying! Serve immediately for best flavor.

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying texture! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is an opportunity to enhance its deliciousness with complementary sides and toppings. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Add a Fresh Salad

• A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the hearty flavors of the soup.

Offer Crusty Bread

• Serve warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping into the rich broth.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Finishing the soup with fresh basil or parsley adds a vibrant touch and enhances its aroma.

Include Parmesan Cheese

• A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top adds depth and creaminess to each bowl.

Pair with a Classic Italian Antipasto

• An antipasto platter with olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses can provide a delightful contrast to your soup.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

To achieve the best version of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will bring more flavor and nutrients compared to canned options.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup as it simmers. You can add more salt or herbs according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a while after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Freeze Leftovers: This soup freezes well. Store in airtight containers for quick meals later on.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.

2. Caesar Salad
   A Caesar salad adds crispness and richness that complements the soup’s hearty texture.

3. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs make an excellent finger food alongside soup.

5. Italian Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a fresh burst of flavor.

6. Zucchini Chips
   Baked zucchini chips add crunch without being heavy, making them a light side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is easy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong meat: Opting for a different type of meat can alter the flavor significantly. Stick with ground beef for the best results.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until they soften for the best texture.
• Forgetting to drain beans: Not draining canned beans can lead to a watery soup. Always drain and rinse your beans before adding them in.
• Skimping on seasonings: Skipping spices may result in bland soup. Use dried basil and oregano generously to enhance the flavor.
• Not tasting before serving: Failing to check seasoning can lead to an unbalanced dish. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup?

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian soup made with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth.

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

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices! Spinach or zucchini can be great additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I store leftovers of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use any small pasta like macaroni or mini shells if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Try it today and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food!