Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Olive Garden’s Pasta E Fagioli Recipe brings the heart and warmth of Italian cuisine right to your home. This comforting soup features a rich blend of ground beef, beans, and fresh vegetables, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Enjoy the delightful flavors reminiscent of your favorite restaurant dish, right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Comfort: This recipe delivers a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious soup.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A mix of savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich spices creates an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions; this soup pleases all palates.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup while allowing ample room for all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables, enhancing prep time.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Liquid Components

• 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water

For the Beans and Seasoning

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dry ditalini pasta

For Serving

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Caramelize ground beef in a medium-heat pot, continuously breaking and stirring until completely browned, approximately 5–7 minutes. Retain a minimal amount of rendered fat for enhanced flavor profile.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Incorporate aromatic vegetables including onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables soften and release their fragrant essences, roughly 4–5 minutes. Stir consistently to prevent scorching.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Introduce liquid components: tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Season with herbs like basil and oregano alongside sugar, salt, and pepper. Elevate temperature to boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5–6 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Integrate ditalini pasta directly into simmering liquid. Cook for 9–11 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency. Periodically monitor liquid levels adding water if necessary.

Step 5: Add Beans

Fold in kidney and cannellini beans into the mixture warming thoroughly for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Portion soup into serving vessels crowning each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will subtly melt cheese creating a luxurious finishing touch.

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 9 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 250 calories, Carbs: 30g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 10g

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. This hearty soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery garlic breadsticks complement the rich flavors beautifully.

With Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the soup’s heartiness.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a bright flavor contrast.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Shavings: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for an added cheesy richness.
• Mozzarella Balls: Serve fresh mozzarella balls on the side for a creamy texture.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Creating the perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. These suggestions will elevate your dish and ensure great results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the overall flavor profile of your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to suit your preference for salt and herbs.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the pasta by checking it frequently during the cooking process.
• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and tastes.
• Allow Flavors to Meld: Let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking; this allows the flavors to deepen.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this comforting soup.

1. Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic butter are irresistible.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make a delightful appetizer.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables add nutrition and vibrant flavors alongside the soup.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh bite.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette provides a light counterbalance to the hearty soup.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an appealing sharable dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Using too much fat: While some fat adds flavor, using too much can make the soup greasy. Only retain a small amount of rendered fat from the beef for best results.
• Overcooking the pasta: Ditalini pasta should be cooked al dente. Overcooking will lead to mushy pasta that loses its texture in the soup.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Flavors can change as the soup simmers. Always taste and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.
• Skipping the aromatics: Garlic, onions, carrots, and celery are vital for building flavor. Don’t rush this step; sauté them until softened for maximum taste.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Make sure to cool the soup before refrigerating or freezing it in airtight containers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring often until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe that might help you during preparation or serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide good flavor while being a leaner option.

What are good substitutes for ditalini pasta?

If you can’t find ditalini, other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work well in this recipe.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, simply replace ground beef with lentils or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

The soup can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it an excellent choice for dinner. It’s not only comforting but also versatile; you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or beans. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl of Italian goodness!