Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty, flavorful, and comforting, this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your home. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this soup combines ground beef, beans, and vegetables in a rich tomato broth. You’ll love how simple it is to make while still delivering on taste and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 65 minutes.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a savory broth that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile: This soup can be served as a main dish or a hearty appetizer, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and veggies, this recipe offers a great source of protein and fiber.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 16 servings, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Ideal for simmering the soup and accommodating all ingredients without overflow.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently for even cooking.

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Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), gather the following ingredients:

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
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce

For the Finishing Touches

• 48 ounces marinara sauce
• 8 ounces small shell macaroni (or other small dried pasta shape)
• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

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

Step 1: Cook the Beef

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon or spatula until it starts to brown.
• Incorporate the chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned tomatoes. Allow them to simmer together for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add Beans and Broth

• Stir in the cooked red kidney beans and white kidney beans along with the beef broth.
• Season with dried oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce.
• Let everything simmer until the celery and carrots are tender; this should take about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

• Add your choice of small shell macaroni or another small pasta shape to the pot.
• Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Parsley

• Before serving, stir in freshly chopped parsley. This adds brightness to your soup!

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) that brings warmth and joy to any table!

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

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and comforting nature. This hearty soup can be the star of your meal or a delightful starter. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Add a Dollop of Pesto

• Top each bowl with a spoonful of pesto for an extra layer of taste.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A simple green salad complements the soup’s richness and adds freshness.

Offer Grated Cheese

• Provide grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle over their soup.

Create a Family-Style Serving

• Serve the soup in a large pot on the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.

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

Perfecting this copycat recipe involves understanding key elements in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to elevate your soup game.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality broth will significantly enhance the flavor.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer than suggested for deeper flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings according to your preference for spice.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent overcooking the beans and pasta.

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

Complementing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these tasty options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread infused with garlic butter, perfect for dipping.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds crunch and flair.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing bite.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for an appetizing starter.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender complement the soup’s heartiness.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make a filling addition.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips or bread rounds adds indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can negatively affect the flavor. Always choose fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for the best taste.
• Skipping the Simmering Time: Not simmering long enough can leave your vegetables crunchy and undercooked. Allow at least 45 minutes for a rich, flavorful broth.
• Overcooking the Pasta: If you add pasta too early or leave it in too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and monitor closely.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Every ingredient has its own flavor profile, so taste your soup as it cooks. Adjust salt, pepper, and spice levels according to your preference.
• Not Storing Properly: Improper storage affects freshness. Use airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze promptly to maintain quality.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for peak quality.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup that might help you:

Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) vegetarian?

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead.

How do I thicken Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)?

To thicken the soup, let it simmer uncovered to reduce excess liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any beans you prefer, such as black beans or chickpeas.

What is the best way to serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices according to what you have on hand. Give this delicious copycat recipe a try; it’s perfect for any chilly day!