Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Olive Garden’s Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is a delightful way to bring the warmth of Italian comfort food into your home. This copycat recipe features a hearty blend of ground beef, beans, and vegetables simmered to perfection. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you simply crave a satisfying bowl of soup. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of beef and beans creates a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Quick Preparation: With just 29 minutes total time, you can have a delicious homemade dish ready without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or as an appetizer, this soup fits any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and aromatic spices, each spoonful bursts with authentic Italian flavor.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add different vegetables or pasta shapes based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Allows for even cooking of ingredients and ample space for simmering the soup.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot while also providing good control during cooking.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for consistent results every time.

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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

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dry ditalini pasta

For Serving

• 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 break it apart while stirring until completely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Retain some rendered fat for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until they soften and release their fragrance—around 4-5 minutes—stirring consistently to prevent scorching.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Season with basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer for about 5-6 minutes to let flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the dry ditalini pasta directly into the simmering soup. Cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Keep an eye on liquid levels; add more water if necessary.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans

Fold in both kidney beans and cannellini beans. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes while adjusting seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy how it melts slightly from the heat of the soup!

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make! Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe can elevate the dining experience, making it more enjoyable for family and friends. Here are some creative ways to serve this hearty soup.

Classic Presentation

• Serve in deep bowls to highlight the rich colors and textures of the soup.
• Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair with slices of crusty Italian bread for dipping. The bread complements the soup perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor.

Topped with Cheese

• Finish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a deliciously creamy element that melts beautifully into the hot soup.

Accompanied by Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad. The crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory soup.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds an interactive element to your meal and makes for easy cleanup!

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Creating the perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is all about balancing flavors and ensuring optimal texture. Follow these tips for best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavors significantly compared to canned options. Choose firm carrots and vibrant celery for the best taste.

• Cook Al Dente Pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, cook ditalini just until al dente before adding it to the soup. This keeps it firm and adds texture.

• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust herbs and spices gradually to achieve your desired flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

• Allow Flavors to Marry: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully. A gentle simmer for an extended time can enhance depth.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Complementing your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe with side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover broth.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons provides a refreshing contrast to warm soup.

3. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze create a flavorful appetizer that pairs well with hearty soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your meal.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and beans offer a satisfying complement that enhances your Italian-themed dinner.

6. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic reduction make for a light yet flavorful side dish.

7. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, cheeses, artichokes, and cured meats (substituted as needed) create an appetizing starter before diving into the main course.

8. Spinach Dip: Creamy spinach dip served with pita chips or vegetables offers a deliciously rich option that contrasts nicely with lighter flavors of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking ditalini pasta too long can result in a mushy texture. Always check for al dente firmness, as it will continue to cook slightly after being added to the soup.

• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can lead to a bland dish. Always season incrementally and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.

• Skipping the Fat Render: Not allowing some fat from the beef can weaken the flavor profile. Use just enough fat for sautéing vegetables, enhancing overall taste.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap broth or canned tomatoes can affect the final flavor. Choose high-quality brands for better results and a richer soup.

• Ignoring Vegetable Size Uniformity: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking times. Aim for uniform sizes so that all ingredients cook evenly together.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best flavor and quality.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Label with date; use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring regularly until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup:

Can I modify the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe?

Yes! You can swap out meats or add more vegetables according to your taste preferences.

What sides pair well with this recipe?

Crusty bread or a fresh salad complements this soup beautifully, offering a complete meal experience.

How do I ensure my beans stay intact?

Avoid adding beans until the final minutes of cooking. This prevents them from breaking down during simmering.

Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! With lean ground beef and plenty of beans and veggies, it’s nutritious while still being comforting.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

The Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures that warms you up on cold days. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy creating your own comforting bowl of Italian goodness!