Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This soup combines ground beef, beans, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth, making it an ideal meal for cold days or family gatherings. With its robust taste and heartwarming qualities, this recipe stands out as a fantastic alternative to dining out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and nourishing.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this soup can adapt to various occasions, from cozy dinners to festive gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup offers essential nutrients while remaining filling and delicious.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers; the flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier on the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Being prepared will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Ideal for cooking soups in large quantities without overflowing.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware; it also doesn’t conduct heat.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.

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Ingredients

Hearty Italian soup with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in rich tomato broth. Perfect comfort food for cold days!

For the Soup 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 Beans & Broth

• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans
• 2 3/4 quarts beef broth

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 48 ounces marinara sauce

For Pasta & Garnish

• 8 ounces small shell macaroni (or other small dried pasta shape)
• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.

1. Continue cooking until the beef starts to brown.
2. Once browned, add the chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned diced tomatoes.
3. Stir well and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add Beans and Broth

Next, it’s time to enhance the flavors by adding in your beans and broth.

1. Add the cooked red kidney beans and white kidney beans.
2. Pour in the beef broth along with dried oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the celery and carrots are tender; this should take about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Finally, bring your delightful soup together with some pasta.

1. Add the small shell macaroni to the pot.
2. Allow it to simmer until cooked through; check package instructions for timing.
3. Before serving, stir in freshly chopped parsley for added flavor.

With these easy steps in mind, you’re ready to enjoy a bowl of warm Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) that will surely satisfy your cravings!

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. This hearty soup is not only filling but also versatile, allowing for creative serving options that cater to different tastes.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of flavor and color to your soup, making it visually appealing.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Serve with Salad

• A light garden salad on the side complements the soup well and adds freshness to your meal.

Add Grated Cheese

• Top each bowl with grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture that balances the soup’s richness.

Offer Hot Sauce on the Side

• Providing hot sauce allows diners to customize their heat level, making the dish more personal and enjoyable.

Present in Individual Bowls

• Serving this soup in individual bowls creates a restaurant-like experience at home, making it feel special and inviting.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

To achieve the best version of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your cooking process and ensure a delicious result every time.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef will significantly improve the flavor of your soup.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Feel free to tweak the oregano and pepper levels according to your preference for a personalized flavor profile.

• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer than 45 minutes lets flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a richer broth.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For better texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents overcooking and keeps it al dente.

• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for an easy reheating option.

• Freeze Leftovers: If you have extra soup, freeze portions in airtight containers. It’s perfect for quick meals later on!

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

When enjoying Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, adding side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some tasty options that pair wonderfully with this comforting soup.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar Salad brings crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing that complements the hearty flavors of the soup.

3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing bite alongside your meal.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Roasted bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables offer an Italian flair while being nutritious and satisfying.

5. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds vibrant colors and additional nutrients to your table.

6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, artichokes, cheeses, and salami brings variety to your meal, allowing guests to nibble between bites of soup.

7. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide an indulgent side that pairs perfectly with every spoonful of soup.

8. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed with veggies offers a refreshing contrast that balances the warmth of the soup nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could affect the final dish.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can result in a less flavorful soup. Take the time to break it up and cook until browned for a rich taste.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Canned beans can have a salty liquid that affects the soup’s flavor. Always rinse and drain them before adding them to your recipe.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you leave the pasta in too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking so it remains al dente.
• Neglecting to season properly: Failing to adjust seasoning during cooking may lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and modify with salt, pepper, or additional herbs as needed.
• Not allowing enough simmering time: Rushing through the simmering stage can result in undercooked vegetables and flavors not fully developed. Allow ample time for simmering for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• You can freeze this soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It is best used within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe pot and cover. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, usually about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe).

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will also work well in this recipe, offering a lighter flavor.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe), simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What other beans can I use?

You can substitute with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer different flavors or textures in your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe).

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is an excellent choice for comfort food lovers. Its hearty blend of meat, beans, and vegetables makes it satisfying and nutritious. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Try it today; you won’t be disappointed!