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 recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in, this hearty soup is packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The rich blend of beans, vegetables, and pasta creates a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and spices delivers a robust flavor that rivals any restaurant dish.
• Versatile Dish: This soup can easily be customized by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it perfect for any palate.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: With its comforting taste, this soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch Oven
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Colander (for draining pasta)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch Oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing for easy stirring.
• Cooking spoon: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly to build flavor as you cook.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results every time.

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Ingredients

Get ready to gather your ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup:

Pasta

• 1 cup Ditalini pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)

Proteins & Beans

• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 15 oz red kidney beans (rinsed/drained)
• 15 oz Great Northern Beans (drained/rinsed)

Liquids & Seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup water
• Salt/pepper (to taste)

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s crumbly and no longer pink. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic, diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add Beans & Pasta

Stir in rinsed red kidney beans, drained Great Northern Beans, and cooked Ditalini pasta into the soup. Mix well until everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot with your favorite bread on the side for dipping!

With these simple steps, you have created your own version of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup—perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience and make it more enjoyable. Here are some creative and delicious ways to serve this comforting soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A loaf of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. It adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley to enhance the flavors and add a pop of color.

Add Grated Cheese

• Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and creaminess.

Serve with a Salad

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty soup well, adding freshness to the meal.

Create a Soup Bar

• Set up a soup bar with toppings like croutons, diced onions, and extra herbs for guests to customize their own bowls.

Offer Extra Broth

• Serve additional chicken broth on the side for those who prefer a thinner consistency in their soup.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To ensure your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken broth will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the Ditalini pasta al dente so it holds its shape in the soup without becoming mushy.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor profile.

• Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer if possible; this helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors often deepen after a day!

• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent overcooking the pasta or vegetables.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the soup.

2. Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad made of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the heartiness of the soup.

3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an exciting bite-sized option that pairs well with Italian flavors.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer a nutritious side that balances out your meal nicely.

5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and creaminess that matches perfectly with warm soup.

6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and herbs makes for an inviting appetizer alongside your dish.

7. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters bring in a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using the wrong pasta: Selecting a pasta that’s too large or not suitable for soup can change the dish’s consistency. Stick with Ditalini or small shapes that hold their shape well in the broth.

• Skipping the sauté step: Neglecting to sauté the vegetables can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Take the time to cook your garlic, onions, carrots, and celery until they’re tender before adding liquids.

• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can result in a bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for a more flavorful outcome.

• Overcooking the beans: Adding beans too early can make them mushy. Wait until the soup is almost done before stirring in red kidney beans and Great Northern beans for optimal texture.

• Using low-quality broth: The broth is crucial for flavor. Use a good-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best results, enhancing the overall taste of your soup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 4 days.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between sessions until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup that might help you enjoy this dish even more!

How do I make my Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added texture without meat.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or chickpeas to customize your soup’s flavor and nutrition profile.

What is the best way to serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It makes for a hearty meal any day of the week!

How long does it take to prepare Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

The total time for preparation and cooking is about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner option.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup offers comfort and warmth on chilly nights. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it versatile enough for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices!