Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat): Enjoy This Easy Recipe!

A hearty and delicious Pasta e Fagioli recipe that replicates the famous Olive Garden dish, perfect for a comforting meal. This easy recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The blend of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout favorite, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Hearty Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is both filling and nutritious, ideal for a satisfying meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the beans and vegetables based on what you have on hand for a unique twist.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: With its rich flavors and appealing textures, your entire family will enjoy this comforting soup.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts, making prep work quicker and easier.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while combining ingredients.

Ingredients

A hearty and delicious Pasta e Fagioli recipe that replicates the famous Olive Garden dish, perfect for a comforting meal.

For the Soup Base

• 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

For the Broth

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth

For the Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Seasonings

• Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat): Enjoy This Easy Recipe!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and brown it for about 3–5 minutes. Drain any excess fat after cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add diced carrots, onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these vegetables until they are softened, which should take about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked beef to the pot along with the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Add Beans and Broth

Next, add Great Northern beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth to the mixture. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta along with Italian seasoning. Cook until the pasta is tender—this should take another 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once everything is cooked through, serve your hearty Pasta e Fagioli hot! Feel free to garnish with fresh basil or shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat): Enjoy This Easy Recipe!

Serving Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its comforting flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that can elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of flavor.
• Parsley: Add chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Accompanying Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the soup.
• Focaccia: A slice of focaccia pairs wonderfully with the hearty texture of the soup.

Garnishing Options

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for added richness.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the dish’s flavors.

Serving Style

• In Bowls: Serve in deep bowls for a cozy feel, perfect for chilly evenings.
• As a Starter: Offer smaller portions as a starter before a main course.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat): Enjoy This Easy Recipe!

To make your Pasta e Fagioli truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips to enhance the flavors and textures of this dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs; they bring brighter flavors compared to canned or frozen options.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasonings like salt and Italian herbs according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: For optimal texture, cook the ditalini pasta al dente before adding it to the soup to prevent mushiness.
• Let It Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you have time; this helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Try Different Beans: Experiment with other types of beans like cannellini or pinto beans for varied taste and color.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat): Enjoy This Easy Recipe!

Pairing side dishes with Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this hearty soup beautifully.

1. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons balances the warmth of the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition alongside the soup.
4. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of marinated olives, artichokes, and cheeses offers a flavorful start to your meal.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Delicious stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make a tasty appetizer option.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are great for dipping into the comforting soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure your Pasta e Fagioli turns out perfectly by avoiding these common mistakes.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning enough can make your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
• Not browning the meat: Skipping this step can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to brown the ground beef well for rich taste.
• Overcooking pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure it’s al dente.
• Neglecting beans: Forgetting to rinse canned beans can add excess sodium. Always drain and rinse them before adding to your dish.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor quality broth can impact the overall flavor. Choose a good-quality chicken broth or homemade broth for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat): Enjoy This Easy Recipe!

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label containers with the date for reference.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat): Enjoy This Easy Recipe!

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta e Fagioli.

What is Pasta e Fagioli?

Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup that combines pasta and beans in a hearty broth. This recipe mimics the popular Olive Garden dish.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can customize your recipe by using other types of beans like cannellini or black beans if desired.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Pasta e Fagioli, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What type of pasta works best?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use any small pasta such as elbow macaroni or shells for similar texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adapt it for dietary preferences. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a delightful bowl that warms the soul!