Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

This hearty and comforting Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is a dish that brings the flavors of the beloved restaurant right into your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is not only easy to make but also ideal for family gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. With its rich tomato flavor, tender beans, and pasta, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe can be prepared in just an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices creates a deliciously robust flavor profile.
• Versatile Ingredients: Substitute or add any vegetables you like based on what you have on hand!
• Comforting Dish: This soup is warm and hearty, making it ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Great Leftovers: The flavors only get better as it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying again later.

Tools and Preparation

Making this delicious Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli requires some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides enough space for all ingredients to cook evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while breaking up meat.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking of vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities, ensuring consistent results every time.

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Ingredients

For this hearty and comforting Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium-sized onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced

For the Beans and Broth

• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 4 cups beef broth

For the Pasta

• 1 cup small shell pasta (or ditalini)

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• to taste Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Main Ingredients

Add the canned kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the small shell pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, following package instructions.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your bowl of comfort with family or friends!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

This hearty and comforting Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is perfect for a cozy dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread – Serve with warm garlic bread for a delightful combination of flavors.
• Crusty Baguette – A sliced baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top just before serving for added richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Add shredded mozzarella for a creamy, melty finish.

As a Complete Meal

• Salad on the Side – Pair with a fresh garden salad to balance the flavors and add crunch.
• Grilled Vegetables – Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a nutritious addition.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

To make your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavor Enhancements – Add extra herbs or spices like crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Quality Ingredients Matter – Use high-quality beef broth and canned tomatoes for deeper flavor.
• Cook Pasta Separately – For optimal texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer can enhance the depth of flavors.
• Adjust Thickness as Needed – If the soup thickens too much, stir in additional broth or water.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

These side dishes complement your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli beautifully.

1. Caesar Salad – A classic salad that adds crispness and tanginess.
2. Garlic Knots – Soft knots brushed with garlic butter make a great dipping companion.
3. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers pair well with the hearty soup.
4. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing contrast.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Charred Brussels sprouts bring an earthy flavor to the table.
6. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives can be a delightful starter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a bland flavor. Make sure to cook it until nicely browned for rich taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and add it in the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving can result in an unbalanced flavor. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality beef broth can make your soup lack depth. Use a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Dice them into similar sizes for even tenderness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plate, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli.

What is Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is a homemade version of the popular Italian-American soup made with beans, pasta, and ground beef in a flavorful tomato broth.

Can I make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it entirely, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How long does Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli last in the refrigerator?

It lasts for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.

What type of pasta should I use?

Small shell pasta or ditalini works best for this recipe because they hold up well in soups and absorb flavors nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile enough for customization. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding different vegetables or using another type of protein! Enjoy making this beloved dish at home!