Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

Hearty and comforting, Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is the perfect dish for chilly nights or family gatherings. This delicious Italian soup combines ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich flavor: The combination of beef, beans, and fresh vegetables creates a robust taste that is sure to please everyone.
• Easy to make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
• Perfect for meal prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal choice for meal planning.
• Versatile: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have at home, allowing for endless variations.
• Feeds a crowd: This recipe serves 16, making it great for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Essential for cooking large batches of soup evenly without spilling.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for efficient prep work, saving time in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) features fresh ingredients that enhance its flavor and texture.

Meat and Beans

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups cooked, drained red kidney beans
• 2 cups cooked, drained white kidney beans

Vegetables

• 12 ounces chopped onion
• 14 ounces slivered carrots
• 14 ounces diced celery
• 48 ounces canned diced tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 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

Pasta and 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

1. In a large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned.
3. Stir in the chopped onions, slivered carrots, diced celery, and canned tomatoes. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. Incorporate the cooked red kidney beans, cooked white kidney beans, beef broth, oregano, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and marinara sauce into the pot.
2. Let everything simmer until the celery and carrots are tender—this should take about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Once the vegetables are tender, add the small shell macaroni to the pot.
2. Simmer until the pasta is cooked through according to package instructions.

Step 4: Serve with Fresh Parsley

1. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness to your dish.
2. Enjoy your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup hot!

With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is bound to become a favorite in your household!

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

Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is an opportunity to create a comforting and hearty meal. This soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a delightful texture contrast.

Garnished with Parmesan

• Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A crisp green salad balances the hearty soup, providing freshness and crunch.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls makes it a great choice for gatherings or family dinners.

With Extra Parsley

• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

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

To ensure your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will boost the flavor and texture of your soup significantly.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to adjust spices and herbs according to your preference.

• Let it simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you can. This enhances the depth of flavor as all ingredients meld together.

• Cook pasta separately: If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately. It prevents it from becoming mushy when reheating.

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

Pairing side dishes with this delicious soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options you might consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the flavors of the soup while providing a satisfying crunch.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar enhance Italian flavors on your plate.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for a delightful finger food that pairs well with the hearty soup.

5. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft, cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into your Pasta e Fagioli Soup, making every bite enjoyable.

6. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color, texture, and nutrients to your meal alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe). Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly overcooking the pasta. If you add the pasta too early, it can become mushy. Always add it towards the end of cooking, ensuring it retains its texture.
• Boldly skimping on seasoning. Not using enough herbs and spices can lead to bland soup. Be generous with oregano and pepper for optimal flavor.
• Boldly ignoring ingredient preparation. Chopping vegetables unevenly can result in inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.
• Boldly using low-quality broth. A poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your soup. Invest in a good beef broth or make your own for richer flavor.
• Boldly neglecting garnishes. Forgetting fresh parsley or other garnishes can make your dish look less appealing. Add fresh herbs before serving for a vibrant finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months; just remember to leave some space for expansion.

Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)?

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is a hearty Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe)?

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more Tabasco sauce or pepper.

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

The total time to prepare this soup is about 65 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Copycat Recipe) is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to try this delicious recipe and make it your own!