Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty and comforting, this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is perfect for any occasion. Packed with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth, it delivers a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this soup stands out for its flavor and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Satisfying Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously rich taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, this soup is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or a hearty appetizer; it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Great for Batch Cooking: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and veggies, this soup is as nutritious as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: This is crucial for cooking larger quantities of soup without overflow.
• Stirring spoon: A sturdy spoon ensures that all ingredients are mixed well during cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in your soup.

Ingredients

Hearty Italian soup with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in rich tomato broth. Perfect comfort food for cold days!

Meat

• 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables

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

Beans

• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans

Broth and Sauce

• 2 3/4 quarts beef broth
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 48 ounces marinara sauce

Pasta

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

Garnish

• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

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

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a stirring spoon until it starts to brown.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, add in the chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned diced tomatoes. Simmer these ingredients together for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add the cooked red kidney beans, cooked white kidney beans, beef broth, dried oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Allow the mixture to simmer until the celery and carrots are tender—this should take about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

After simmering, add the small shell macaroni into the pot. Continue to simmer until the pasta is fully cooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), stir in fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy!

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

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing the dining experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments that complement its rich flavors and create a comforting meal.

Add Fresh Bread

• A warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks can be perfect for dipping into the soup.

Pair with a Side Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or basil on top for added flavor and a pop of color.

Offer Cheese on the Side

• Grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese allows guests to customize their bowls according to their taste.

Serve with Extra Marinara Sauce

• A small bowl of marinara sauce can enhance the soup’s flavor for those who enjoy a richer tomato taste.

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

To make your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup truly special, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your dish and ensure it tastes just like the original!

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible; they enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of pepper or Tabasco sauce based on your heat preference.
• Cook pasta separately: For best texture, cook pasta al dente in a separate pot and add it just before serving.
• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store leftovers wisely: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge, but store pasta separately to prevent it from getting mushy.

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

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup enhances your meal and provides variety. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks
   Fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are classic favorites that perfectly complement this hearty soup.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that balances the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrients to your meal.

4. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft pasta in the soup.

5. Antipasto Platter
   A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an appealing starter before diving into the main dish.

6. Polenta Cakes
   Creamy polenta baked into cakes provides a deliciously unique accompaniment that complements Italian flavors effortlessly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a bland flavor. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s well browned for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding the pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Add the pasta only when the soup is nearly done simmering.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient can vary in flavor, so taste as you go! Adjust seasonings like oregano and pepper based on your palate.
• Using expired ingredients: Check your canned goods and spices. Expired items can ruin the freshness of your soup.
• Not allowing enough simmer time: Rushing the simmering process means flavors won’t meld well. Aim for at least 45 minutes to develop deep flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• 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 dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative while maintaining flavor.

What type of beans should I use?

You can use red kidney beans and white kidney beans or any combination of your favorite beans.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight, allowing flavors to deepen.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings. It’s versatile; feel free to customize with different vegetables or beans based on your preference. Give it a try today!