Hearty and delicious, this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) brings the warmth of Italian comfort food right to your kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this soup is packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. Its savory flavors make it a standout dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a deeply satisfying taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or a hearty starter; it adapts well to any occasion.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice.
- Large Batch: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Tools and Preparation
To create this comforting soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: Essential for cooking large quantities; allows ample space for all ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife speeds up chopping vegetables, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
For this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), gather the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 12 ounces chopped onion
- 14 ounces slivered carrots
- 14 ounces diced celery
- 48 ounces canned diced tomatoes
For the Beans
- 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
- 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans
For the Broth and Seasoning
- 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
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces small shell macaroni (or other small dried pasta shape)
For Garnish
- 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Cook the beef in vegetable oil in a large stockpot. Break it up as it cooks until it starts to brown. Add the chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add in the cooked red kidney beans, cooked white kidney beans, beef broth, oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce. Stir well to combine everything. Allow the soup to simmer until the celery and carrots are tender. This should take about 45 minutes.
Step 3: Incorporate Pasta
Once the vegetables are tender, add in your small shell macaroni or preferred pasta shape. Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and garnish. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!
How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that enhances the meal with additional flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this hearty Italian soup.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Enjoy with buttery garlic breadsticks to complement the flavors.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the soup’s warmth.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a light contrast.
Top it Off
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Garnish your soup with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)
To make your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup even better, consider these helpful tips for achieving perfect flavors and textures.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth for a richer taste.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to add more oregano or pepper based on your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For optimal texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking; this helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Freeze Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they freeze well. Just store in airtight containers for future meals.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Enjoying side dishes along with your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that pair perfectly.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic butter enhance every bite of soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a refreshing complement.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with cream cheese and herbs provide a savory side that pairs wonderfully.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an enticing appetizer before the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring added nutrients and sweetness to your meal.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese creates a comforting side dish that complements the soup’s heartiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your soup.
- Bold timing: Cooking the vegetables too quickly can lead to uneven textures. Sauté them until they are just tender before adding the broth to ensure even cooking.
- Bold overcooking pasta: Adding pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Monitor the cooking time and add it towards the end of the simmering process for the perfect bite.
- Bold inadequate seasoning: Skipping the spices or using too little can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to enhance flavors.
- Bold ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth may compromise your soup’s taste. Opt for a good-quality beef broth or homemade stock for richer flavor.
- Bold rushing cooling: Allowing your soup to cool completely before storing can promote bacterial growth. Cool it at room temperature briefly, then refrigerate promptly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Ensure that the soup has cooled down before sealing it in a container.
Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries about Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe).
What makes this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) special?
This recipe captures the rich flavors of traditional Italian cuisine while offering a comforting blend of beef, beans, and vegetables in a savory broth.
Can I customize the ingredients in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to use different types of beans or add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to suit your tastes.
How long does it take to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)?
The total time is about 65 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for a cozy meal!
Is this soup healthy?
Yes! This soup is packed with protein from beans and beef, along with plenty of vegetables. It’s a hearty option that provides balanced nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or shared with friends, this comforting dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try today!