Introduction to Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
Pasta e Fagioli. Such a wonderful, warm-sounding name that conjures up thoughts of fine family evenings and the steam of cooking soup on the stove. My life-saver for one of those crazy days where time just gets away from me is this copy-cat recipe from Olive Garden. When you have the flavors and rich ingredients make a short and sweet encore, and don’t have time to cater for hours on end to make your family feel special, then definitely an ideal bowl; hearty and warming for those busy nights or when it’s starting to get cold out.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
This Pasta e Fagioli is a life-saving recipe for moms with busy, professionals. It is very quick, taking 40 minutes only from start to end, so you can have a healthy meal quickly without any pain in the head. Comfort in every spoonful comes from the combination of those pretty delightful flavors. All needed ingredients are easily available; therefore, you can get it done quite easily in no time so that your family is satisfied and happy after leaving the table.
Ingredients for Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
Gathering the ingredients for this Pasta e Fagioli is like collecting joy in a bowl. Every element plays a part in crafting this delicious soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lean Ground Beef: A tasty source of protein that gives this dish its hearty texture.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables, adding flavor and a touch of healthy fat.
- Diced Carrots: These add a hint of sweetness and a lovely crunch.
- Diced Onion: This mellows out the soup with its aromatic goodness.
- Diced Celery: A stalk of crisp, refreshing celery for depth and earthiness.
- Minced Garlic: Because who doesn’t love that fragrant punch that elevates any dish?
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes bring a juicy element, mixing well with other flavors.
- Tomato Sauce: For a richer, thicker consistency that ties it all together.
- Chicken Broth: A comforting base that adds warmth; opt for low-sodium if you prefer.
- Great Northern Beans: Creamy and filling, they provide texture and protein.
- Kidney Beans: These beans add color and heartiness, balancing out the soup.
- Ditalini Pasta: Small pasta that perfectly captures all the broth and ingredients.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste; these bring the flavors to life!
Feel free to explore ingredient substitutions, like using turkey instead of beef or adding more veggies for a nutritional boost! For exact measurements of each ingredient, check out the end of the article where you can find them all, ready for printing!
How to Make Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the delicious adventure of making Pasta e Fagioli. Follow these simple steps to create a bowl of comfort that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Then, toss in the lean ground beef. Watch as it browns beautifully over the next 3-5 minutes, filling your kitchen with savory scents. Once it’s nice and browned, drain any excess fat. This step sets the stage for super flavor!
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Next, in the same pot, add your diced carrots, onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re softened and aromatic. The colors of the vegetables dancing in the pot are as inviting as their flavors will be!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
Now, it’s time to return the beautifully browned beef to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to life with vibrant red and savory goodness. Let it simmer for a moment; this is where the magic of flavor starts to mix.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Broth
In this step, you’ll add the Great Northern beans, kidney beans, and the chicken broth. The broth creates the perfect base for your soup. Make sure to stir well to combine all those delightful beans and flavors. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the ingredients to play together, soaking up each other’s essence.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to introduce the ditalini pasta. Stir it into the pot and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and those flavors harmonize. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants mushy pasta in their hearty soup!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, ladle piping hot soup into bowls and garnish it with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Take a moment to admire your work; look at that comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli! Serve it up and watch as your family smiles in delight. You’ve just created a meal that’s hearty, warm, and absolutely delightful!
Tips for Success
- Always brown the beef in batches if your pot is small to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t rush the sautéing; letting the vegetables soften develops richer flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving—each palate is unique!
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer or add a splash of tomato paste.
- Make a double batch for easy leftovers that freeze well and taste even better the next day!
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: A Dutch oven works great, but any heavy-bottomed pot will do.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and bringing everything together.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping those fresh vegetables efficiently.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board for your prep work.
Variations of Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and use a mix of your favorite beans. Add some chopped mushrooms for extra umami.
- Italian Sausage: For a spicy kick, replace ground beef with Italian sausage. Remove the casings and brown it just like you would the beef.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat ditalini or any whole grain pasta for a healthier twist that adds more fiber.
- Low-Sodium Version: Opt for low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes to keep sodium levels in check without sacrificing flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Sneak in more nutrients by adding spinach, kale, or bell peppers during the sautéing step.
Serving Suggestions for Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Serve warm with crusty garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a delightful touch.
FAQs about Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
Can I make Pasta e Fagioli ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
How long does Pasta e Fagioli last in the fridge?
Your delicious Pasta e Fagioli can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it in a sealed container to maintain freshness!
Can I freeze this soup?
You can definitely freeze Pasta e Fagioli! Just let it cool down first, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to three months, making meal prep a breeze!
Is Pasta e Fagioli healthy?
Yes! With its lean ground beef, vegetables, and beans, Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty soup that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients!
What can I serve with Pasta e Fagioli?
This soup is great with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a glass of red wine. It’s versatile and complements many sides beautifully!
Final Thoughts on Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)
Making this Pasta e Fagioli brings more than just deliciousness to your table; it creates moments of connection and comfort. As I ladle out hearty bowls, I see faces light up with joy, evoking the spirit of family gatherings and cozy nights in. The simplicity of the ingredients combines to form a symphony of flavors that warms both the stomach and soul. This dish is a reminder that home cooking can be a cherished tradition, even amidst our busy lives. So, grab your pot and create your own memories, one bowl at a time!
Print
Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe Revealed!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Pasta e Fagioli soup, inspired by Olive Garden’s recipe, featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and ditalini pasta.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef for 3–5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté diced carrots, onion, celery, and garlic in the same pot for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot along with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; stir to combine.
- Add Great Northern beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and seasonings; cook for another 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Serve hot with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese as desired.
Notes
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
- Feel free to substitute beans according to your preference.
- Add more vegetables for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
