Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty and comforting, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) brings the Italian restaurant experience right into your kitchen. This delicious soup is packed with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends and family. With its robust flavors and satisfying ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Comfort Food: The rich flavors of beef and beans combined with tender pasta create a bowl of warmth that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this hearty soup in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week. It freezes well, making it an excellent option for busy days.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences. Add more beans or different types of pasta as desired.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves 16, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: A spacious pot is crucial for cooking the soup evenly without overcrowding ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware; it also provides better control when breaking up ground beef.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface helps keep your workspace organized while chopping vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful soup:

For the Soup Base

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 12 ounces chopped onion
• 14 ounces slivered carrots
• 14 ounces diced celery
• 48 ounces canned diced tomatoes

For the Beans and Broth

• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans
• 2 3/4 quarts beef broth

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 48 ounces marinara sauce

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces small shell macaroni (or other small dried pasta shape)

For Garnish

• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Step 1: Cook the Beef

• Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon until it starts to brown.
• Incorporate chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned tomatoes into the pot.
• Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.

Step 2: Add Beans and Broth

• Stir in both types of cooked kidney beans along with beef broth.
• Season with dried oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce.
• Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat until the celery and carrots are tender; this should take about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

• Once vegetables are tender, add small shell macaroni to the pot.
• Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through; follow package instructions for timing.

Step 4: Serve It Up!

• Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
• Ladle your hearty soup into bowls and enjoy warm!

This recipe will surely impress family and friends alike!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty soup is perfect for sharing, and you can enhance its presentation and enjoyment with a few creative serving suggestions.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread complements the soup beautifully. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

Add a Side Salad

• A fresh green salad adds a refreshing crunch. Toss mixed greens with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a light accompaniment.

Top with Grated Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. This adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls makes it feel special. Use vibrant bowls to add color to your table setting.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Finishing your soup with chopped fresh parsley or basil brightens the flavors and gives a colorful touch to each bowl.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Perfecting your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail and fresh ingredients. Here are some tips to achieve a delicious result.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option that still provides great flavor without excess grease.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh carrots, onions, and celery will enhance the taste and texture of your soup compared to canned options.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer than 45 minutes if possible. This helps develop deeper flavors as all ingredients meld together.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch more oregano or pepper can elevate the dish.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming too soft in the broth.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread adds a buttery, garlicky flavor that pairs well with the soup.

2. Bruschetta
   Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offer a fresh contrast to the warm soup.

3. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in Caesar dressing brings crunchiness and creaminess to balance the soup’s heartiness.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or quinoa provide extra nutrition alongside your comforting bowl of soup.

5. Caprese Skewers
   Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a refreshing bite-sized treat perfect for any meal.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and complement the savory flavors of the pasta e fagioli soup nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) can be easy, but some common mistakes may ruin the experience. Here are key points to watch for:

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality meats or canned vegetables can affect the soup’s taste. Always choose fresh or high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

• Not browning the meat properly: Skipping this step can lead to less flavor in your soup. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.

• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta for too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and keep an eye on it to ensure it’s al dente.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Individual tastes vary, so don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings like oregano and pepper to suit your preferences. Taste as you go!

• Skipping the simmering time: Rushing through cooking won’t allow flavors to develop fully. Be patient and let your soup simmer for the recommended time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, keeping a little space at the top for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe):

What is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)?

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-style soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. This copycat recipe brings that classic flavor home.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! You can substitute or mix various beans according to your preference. Options include black beans or pinto beans for different flavors and textures.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

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

How long does Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator without losing its quality.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is not only comforting but also versatile! You can customize it by adding more veggies or using different types of pasta. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s perfect for chilly days and sure to satisfy your cravings!