Olive Garden’s Pasta E Fagioli Recipe brings the heart of Italian comfort food right to your kitchen. This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight meal. It combines rich flavors and textures that will warm you up on a chilly evening, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Rich and Savory Flavor: The combination of ground beef, beans, and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously hearty soup.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete Italian feast.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Great for Leftovers: This pasta e fagioli tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make this recipe seamless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients without spilling.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking.
- Measuring cups: Help in accurately measuring liquids and dry ingredients for consistent results.
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
Liquid Components
- 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
Beans and Seasoning
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 8 ounces (226 grams) dry ditalini pasta
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Caramelize the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Continuously break apart the meat until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Retain a small amount of rendered fat for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, and water. Season with basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing it to a gentle simmer for 5-6 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta directly into the simmering mixture. Cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente while monitoring liquid levels; add more water if needed.
Step 5: Incorporate Beans
Fold in both kidney beans and cannellini beans. Heat them through for about 2-3 minutes. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a deliciously creamy finish.
With its comforting flavors and hearty components, this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!
How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
Serving your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is an opportunity to enhance this delightful dish. The right accompaniments can elevate the flavors and create a memorable dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. This adds texture and absorbs the delicious broth.
With a Side Salad
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in vinaigrette. The crunch balances the soup’s richness and adds freshness.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This brightens the flavor and adds a pop of color to your presentation.
With Grated Cheese
- Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who love an extra cheesy experience. It melts beautifully into the hot soup.
Accompanied by Garlic Knots
- Serve alongside garlic knots for a flavor-packed addition. Their buttery, garlicky goodness complements the soup perfectly.
How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
Perfecting your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe takes care and attention to detail. Here are some tips to make it even better.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preferences for a more personalized flavor.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For optimal texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add More Beans: For heartiness, consider adding more types of beans or increasing their quantity for added protein and fiber.
Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
A well-rounded meal includes great side dishes that complement your soup. Here are some excellent choices to serve alongside your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic are perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses makes for a delightful starter that sets the tone.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients while providing a satisfying contrast in textures.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic is light yet flavorful, perfect as an appetizer before your main dish.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an elegant touch and pair wonderfully with Italian flavors.
- Zucchini Fries: Crispy baked zucchini fries are a fun finger food that kids and adults alike will enjoy alongside their soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the Browning Process: Not caramelizing the ground beef can lead to a bland flavor. Always brown the beef thoroughly for a rich taste.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can cause them to lose texture and flavor. Sauté just until softened for the best results.
- Ignoring Liquid Ratios: Adding too much or too little liquid can affect the soup’s consistency. Measure carefully and adjust based on your preferences.
- Not Tasting as You Go: Failing to taste during cooking may result in an unbalanced flavor. Always check seasoning and adjust as needed throughout the process.
- Cooking Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately can lead it to become mushy when added to the soup later. Cook it directly in the soup for perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to prevent condensation.
Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C), place soup in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe.
What is Pasta e Fagioli?
Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It often includes vegetables and meat for added flavor.
How can I customize my Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe?
You can customize this recipe by adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, using different types of beans, or substituting ground turkey for beef.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with additional beans or vegetables while using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I store leftovers of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe brings comforting flavors right into your kitchen. It’s versatile enough for customization with various ingredients while still delivering that satisfying warmth you crave. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy meal perfect for any evening!