Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Olive Garden’s Pasta E Fagioli recipe brings the warmth of Italy straight to your kitchen. This comforting soup is perfect for various occasions, from cozy family dinners to gatherings with friends. Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and wholesome ingredients make it a standout dish that you will crave time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Comfort: This soup offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and quick cooking time, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s suitable for casual weeknight dinners or more formal gatherings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich beans and lean beef, this recipe delivers essential nutrients in every bowl.
• Flavorful Leftovers: The taste improves over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup evenly without overflow.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for precise chopping of vegetables, ensuring even cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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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 Liquids

• 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

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Garnish

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dry ditalini pasta
• 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 it apart and stirring until completely browned, approximately 5–7 minutes. Retain a minimal amount of rendered fat for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Combine Liquid Ingredients

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

Step 4: Add Pasta

Integrate ditalini pasta directly into the simmering liquid. Cook for 9–11 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency. Monitor liquid levels regularly and add water if necessary.

Step 5: Stir in Beans

Fold in kidney beans and cannellini beans while warming thoroughly for another 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure balanced flavor complexity.

Step 6: Serve

Portion soup into serving bowls. Crown each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese; the residual heat will gently melt the cheese creating a luxurious finishing touch.

Enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is an opportunity to create a delightful dining experience. This comforting Italian soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its rich flavors.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread – A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Enjoy these buttery, garlicky sticks alongside the soup for added flavor.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the hearty soup.
• Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with fresh vegetables balances the richness of the pasta e fagioli.

Top with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan on top enhances the flavor profile and adds a creamy texture.
• Mozzarella – For extra indulgence, melt some mozzarella cheese into each bowl before serving.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Perfecting your pasta e fagioli requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish to new heights.

• Bold seasoning – Make sure to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed during cooking for a well-rounded flavor.
• Quality ingredients – Use high-quality canned tomatoes and broth for the best taste in your soup.
• Monitor pasta doneness – Check your ditalini pasta frequently to avoid overcooking; it should be al dente when added.
• Let it rest – Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli can enhance the meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus – Toss asparagus spears with garlic and parmesan before roasting until tender.
2. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze offers a fresh contrast.
3. Caprese Skewers – Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a light appetizer.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.
5. Zucchini Fritters – Crispy zucchini fritters bring crunch and flavor alongside the warm soup.
6. Classic Caesar Salad – An easy-to-make Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta e fagioli perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Boldly overcooking pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Follow the recommended cooking time closely and taste for doneness before draining.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor. Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for a balanced dish.

• Forgetting to drain beans: If you skip rinsing and draining the canned beans, your soup may become overly salty or have an off taste. Always rinse them well before adding to the pot.

• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold broth or vegetables can lower the cooking temperature and extend cooking time. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

• Neglecting the simmer: Not allowing the soup to simmer properly can prevent flavors from developing. Be patient with this step; it greatly enhances the overall taste.

• Skipping fresh cheese topping: Freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and depth to your soup. Don’t skip this final touch for a truly authentic flavor experience.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Let cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot throughout.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, we’ve got you covered!

How do I make a vegetarian version of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe?

You can replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor will still be rich and hearty!

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or pinto beans according to your preference or what you have on hand.

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

You can add more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Spices like red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!

What is the best way to serve this soup?

Serve it warm with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and crusty bread on the side for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Final Thoughts

The Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe brings comforting Italian flavors right into your kitchen. Its versatility allows for many customizations based on personal preferences or dietary needs, making it a perfect choice for any family dinner. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its delicious warmth on chilly nights!