Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)

This comforting Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat) is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. Ideal for cozy dinners or family lunches, this recipe combines hearty ingredients like lean ground beef, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. Not only is it satisfying, but it also gets better with time, making it perfect for leftovers.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• For the Beans and Pasta
• For Seasoning
• REMEMBER
• How to Make Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
• Step 1: Brown the Beef
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Simmer with Broth
• Step 5: Cook Pasta
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
• With Crusty Bread
• As a Main Course
• In a Bread Bowl
• Pairing with Salad
• How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
• Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
• Reheating Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)?
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
• How do I customize my Pasta e Fagioli?
• Can I use canned beans?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This one-pot wonder requires minimal prep and cleanup, letting you enjoy deliciousness without the hassle.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh vegetables creates a rich, savory taste that will warm your soul.
• Versatile Option: Serve it as a main course or enjoy it as a side dish to complement your favorite meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: With lean beef and plenty of beans and veggies, this soup is both nutritious and filling.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing this delicious soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking soups evenly while providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Ensures safety and cleanliness when chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: A good chef’s knife makes dicing quick and easy, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth

For the Beans and Pasta

• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

PIN THIS!

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes. Break it apart into small pieces as it browns.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Remove the cooked beef from the pot and drain excess fat. Set aside. In the same pot, add diced carrots, onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Add Great Northern beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Pasta e Fagioli, bursting with flavor!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)

Serving Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience, as this hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread – Slice and toast a baguette topped with garlic butter for a flavorful complement.
• Parmesan Toasts – Spread butter on bread slices, sprinkle with Parmesan, and broil until golden.

As a Main Course

• Garnish with Basil – Add fresh basil on top of each bowl to enhance the flavor and presentation.
• Serve with Parmesan Cheese – Offer grated Parmesan on the side for guests to sprinkle over their soup.

In a Bread Bowl

• Edible Bowls – Hollow out round loaves of bread and fill them with Pasta e Fagioli for an impressive presentation.

Pairing with Salad

• Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup.
• Italian Chopped Salad – Fresh vegetables and vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)

To achieve the best version of this Olive Garden-inspired dish, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Lean Ground Beef – Choosing lean beef helps keep the soup healthy while maintaining flavor.
• Fresh Vegetables Matter – Using fresh carrots, celery, and onions enhances the overall taste and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Herbs – Italian seasoning is key; it gives that authentic Italian flavor you crave.
• Cook Pasta Separately (Optional) – For a thicker soup, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Let It Sit Before Serving – Allowing the soup to rest lets flavors meld beautifully, improving taste.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

PIN THIS!

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

Complement your Pasta e Fagioli with delicious side dishes that enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a light starter.
2. Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies adds variety to your table.
3. Garlic Knots – Soft dough twisted into knots brushed with garlic butter creates a perfect dipping companion.
4. Italian Herb Flatbread – This warm bread seasoned with herbs is excellent for soaking up the soup’s broth.
5. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to the hearty soup.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs offer a bite-sized treat that pairs well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to ensure it stays al dente.
• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté vegetables can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté them until soft before adding liquids.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth results in a dull soup. Use high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup taste flat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Forgetting garnishes: Skipping fresh basil or cheese reduces visual appeal and taste. Always garnish before serving for the best presentation and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure the soup is cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in a covered dish, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)?

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta, beans, ground beef, and tomatoes. It’s inspired by Olive Garden’s popular recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I customize my Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. You can also swap ditalini pasta with any small pasta you prefer.

Can I use canned beans?

Absolutely! Canned beans save time. Just rinse them before adding to remove excess sodium.

Final Thoughts

This comforting Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences. Try making this cozy dish today; it’s sure to become a family favorite!