Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect dish for any occasion. Its rich flavors blend protein, vegetables, and hearty beans into a comforting soup that warms the soul. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings the essence of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. The combination of ground beef, fresh produce, and aromatic spices ensures each bowl is packed with taste and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Flavorful Comfort: The robust combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich, satisfying flavor that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from ground beef and fiber from beans and veggies, this soup offers a balanced meal in one bowl.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great as a main dish or served alongside crusty bread, it fits well into any dining setting.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the pasta and beans, making it a hit for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Making this flavorful Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli requires a few essential tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right balance of flavors in your soup.

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. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is cooked through, add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally for about five minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Incorporate Sauces and Spices

Next, add tomato sauce, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, water, dried basil, dried oregano, granulated sugar, along with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Bring to Boil

Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and let simmer for about 5–6 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Add the dry ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook for an additional ten minutes or until both the vegetables are tender and pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Mix in Beans

Stir in both cans of drained dark red kidney beans and cannellini beans. Heat through until they are warm. Adjust seasoning as needed; if you prefer a thinner soup, add more water at this stage.

Step 7: Serve

Ensure everything is well combined before serving hot. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate the dining experience. This hearty soup is not only filling but also versatile, allowing for various serving styles that enhance its flavors.

Classic Serving Style

• With Grated Cheese: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Breadsticks: Classic breadsticks are perfect for dipping and complement the soup’s flavors.

On a Cozy Night

• In a Deep Bowl: For those chilly evenings, serve in deep bowls to keep the soup warm longer.
• With a Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the best version of your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Adjust spices according to your taste. More oregano or basil can enhance flavor.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality canned tomatoes and broth for richer taste.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent overcooking, consider cooking ditalini pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Store Properly: For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge; it tastes even better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing pairs well with the soup’s heartiness.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside your dish.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers make for a satisfying accompaniment to this hearty soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful texture contrast to the soup’s creaminess.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
7. Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf can be a great base to enjoy with spoonfuls of soup.
8. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy herbed couscous adds subtle flavor and texture that complements the dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Pasta can become mushy if overcooked. Be sure to follow the cooking time on the package for ditalini pasta and check it frequently during the last few minutes.

• Skipping the Seasoning: Neglecting to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices as needed.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients greatly affects the final dish. Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality canned goods to enhance flavor.

• Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time: Rushing through the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing. Let your soup simmer adequately to ensure a rich and hearty taste.

• Ignoring Bean Preparation: Ensuring your canned beans are rinsed and drained is crucial. This prevents excess sodium from affecting your soup’s flavor and texture.

• Forgetting About Customization: This recipe is versatile! Don’t hesitate to add other veggies or spices that you enjoy; it makes for a unique twist every time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Label with date for reference.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

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

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

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

• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add extra broth or water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option while still maintaining protein in your dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with lentils or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to reheat Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated evenly throughout before serving.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction. This hearty soup is not only quick and easy but also allows room for customization based on your taste. Try it out with different vegetables or spices, and enjoy a delicious meal!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and hearty soup that brings the essence of Italian dining right into your home. Packed with protein from ground beef and fiber-rich beans, this dish is flavorful and nutritious, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. With its robust blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta, each bowl is a warm hug on chilly nights. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a long prep time.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) 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 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally for about five minutes until softened.
3. Incorporate the tomato sauce, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5–6 minutes.
5. Add the dry ditalini pasta and cook for an additional ten minutes until tender.
6. Stir in the drained kidney beans and cannellini beans until heated through.
7. Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg