Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Get the taste of Olive Garden’s famous Pasta e Fagioli soup at home with this delicious and easy-to-follow Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup recipe. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or even a quick meal after a long day. The unique blend of flavors and hearty ingredients makes it a standout choice that will warm your heart and fill your belly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this tasty soup in no time.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with pasta, beans, and veggies, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or beans.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this soup won’t break the bank.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors of this comforting dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning. Its heavy base retains heat well.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for perfect results every time.

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Ingredients

To create this delightful Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 cup Ditalini pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz diced tomatoes

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

For Added Heartiness

• 1 cup water
• 15 oz red kidney beans (rinsed/drained)
• 15 oz Great Northern Beans (drained/rinsed)

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add the Ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Cook until browned and crumbly; then set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add minced garlic, diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery.
3. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, browned sausage, and water.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Stir in rinsed kidney beans and Great Northern beans along with cooked pasta.
2. Mix gently until heated through.

Step 7: Serve Your Soup

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup with fresh bread or a side salad!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing the flavors and making it an enjoyable meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty bread loaf makes a fantastic addition. Dip it into the soup for a delightful experience.

Add a Side Salad

• A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the hearty soup. It adds crunch and freshness to your meal.

Top with Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup before serving. It adds extra flavor and richness.

Serve with Grilled Cheese

• For a classic combo, pair the soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese contrasts beautifully with the soup’s texture.

Offer Spicy Croutons

• Toss in some spicy croutons for an added crunch and kick. They provide texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to consider:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta just until al dente prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup, maintaining the perfect texture.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup as it simmers. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your personal preference for an authentic taste.

• Let It Sit: Allowing your soup to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for variety. This can add both taste and nutrition to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To elevate your meal experience, consider these side dishes that pair perfectly with Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   This creamy salad provides a rich contrast to the hearty soup while remaining light and refreshing.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Baked stuffed mushrooms offer a savory bite that complements the flavors of the soup wonderfully.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color, nutrition, and depth to your meal.

5. Caprese Skewers
   These fresh bites of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add brightness and balance alongside the warm soup.

6. Focaccia Bread
   Soft and flavorful focaccia is excellent for dipping into your savory bowl of pasta e fagioli.

7. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety and enhances dining experience.

8. Simple Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich pasta fagioli soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that could affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using the wrong pasta – Choosing pasta other than Ditalini can change the texture of the soup. Stick to Ditalini for the best results.
• Overcooking vegetables – Cooking garlic, onion, carrots, and celery too long can make them mushy. Sauté until just tender for a better bite.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Not tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving to enhance flavors.
• Neglecting broth quality – Using low-quality chicken broth can impact flavor significantly. Opt for a good-quality broth or homemade version.
• Not simmering long enough – A short simmer won’t allow flavors to meld properly. Aim for a full 15 minutes of simmering for a rich taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in portion-sized containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes this a copycat recipe?

This recipe replicates the flavors and textures found in Olive Garden’s famous Pasta e Fagioli Soup using simple ingredients you can find at home.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer different flavors or textures.

How spicy is this soup?

This recipe is not spicy as written. If you like heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on personal preferences, whether by adding extra vegetables or trying different beans. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as part of a larger meal. Give it a try!