Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

This hearty and comforting Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is the perfect dish for any occasion. With its rich blend of beans, pasta, and ground beef, this recipe captures the beloved flavors of the restaurant classic. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving a nutritious meal, this dish will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is packed with a rich tomato flavor that perfectly complements the beans and pasta.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta.
• Comforting and Hearty: This soup is filling enough to be a complete meal on its own, making it ideal for chilly evenings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups, as it provides even heat distribution and plenty of space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurement, helping you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping vegetables efficiently, ensuring everything is ready for cooking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This hearty Pasta E Fagioli is filled with wholesome ingredients that bring warmth to your table.

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium-sized onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced

For the Beans and Broth

• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 4 cups beef broth

For the Pasta

• 1 cup small shell pasta (or ditalini)

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• to taste Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Broth

Add the canned kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the small shell pasta to the pot and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

This hearty Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli makes for a delightful and comforting meal. Serving it the right way can enhance your dining experience.

Classic Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Breadsticks: Pair with warm, soft breadsticks for dipping in the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Toast: Serve alongside crispy garlic toast for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Side Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast.

Garnish Options

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who enjoy a cheesy touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, provide red pepper flakes that guests can sprinkle to their liking.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

To ensure your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli turns out just right, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavor Development: Sautéing vegetables until tender enhances their natural flavors, making your soup richer.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for balanced flavors.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Adding pasta towards the end of cooking keeps it from becoming mushy; follow package instructions for best results.
• Simmer Longer for Depth: Allowing the soup to simmer longer than 25 minutes can deepen the flavors even more without compromising other ingredients.
• Use Quality Broth: The quality of beef broth significantly affects the dish’s overall taste; choose low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.
• Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: Classic and easy to prepare, this crunchy side is perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing adds a refreshing element to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers provide healthy color and flavor contrast.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil bring brightness and texture to the table.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a vibrant and flavorful side dish.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs make an excellent appetizer or side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can result in a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding vegetables.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Canned beans can contain excess sodium and starch. Always rinse them under cold water to improve flavor and texture.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving! Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Allowing the soup to simmer melds the flavors together. Don’t rush this step; let it cook for at least 20 minutes.
• Forgetting garnish: Skipping fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese takes away from the dish’s presentation and flavor. Always remember to top your soup before serving.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing in a container.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning into individual servings for easy meals later.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will still provide a hearty texture while reducing fat content.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the ground beef and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Add more beans or lentils for protein.

What types of pasta work best in Pasta E Fagioli?

Small shell pasta or ditalini are traditional choices, but feel free to use any small pasta you have on hand.

Can I make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Just store it properly.

Final Thoughts

This comforting Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your taste or dietary needs. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious bowl of this hearty soup!