Tasty Homemade Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from kitchens everywhere, with this copycat Olive Garden pasta e fagioli recipe capturing hearts and taste buds.

Hearty and rich, this classic Italian-inspired soup brings warmth to any dining table.

Packed with tender beans, ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, the dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Robust herbs and vegetables dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of comfort.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients found in most pantries.

Every bite tells a story of traditional Italian cooking reimagined for modern tables.

Savor the delicious memories with this soul-warming recipe that promises to become a cherished family meal.

What Makes Pasta e Fagioli So Comforting

• This hearty pasta e fagioli delivers a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious Olive Garden copycat recipe without stress.
• Packed with protein from beef, beans, and vegetables, this soup provides a balanced meal that fills bellies and nourishes bodies in a single delightful dish.
• Affordable ingredients and the ability to feed multiple people make this recipe an economical choice for families and gatherings.

Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
• Kidney Beans, Cannellini Beans: Classic beans that add protein and creamy texture to the dish.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A traditional soup base that creates a deep, aromatic foundation with layers of flavor.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy base and contribute to the soup's robust red color.
• Beef Broth, Water: Create the liquid foundation for the soup and enhance overall savory taste.
• Basil, Oregano: Herbs that add classic Italian seasoning and aromatic depth.
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small pasta that absorbs flavors and adds hearty texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty, nutty finish when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli at Home

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Ensure no pink remains and the meat is nicely browned.

If excess grease accumulates, you can drain some, but keep a small amount for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté The Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Diced celery
• Minced garlic

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

The vegetables should become tender and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Create The Soup Base

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Water

• Basil
• Oregano
• Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Add ditalini pasta directly into the soup.

Allow pasta to cook for approximately 10 minutes until al dente.

The pasta will absorb liquid and help thicken the soup.

If the mixture becomes too dense, splash in additional water.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans

Introduce kidney and cannellini beans into the soup.

Heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring beans are warmed through.

Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Ladle soup into serving bowls.

Top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will slightly melt into the hot soup, creating a delicious final touch.

Tips for Flavorful Pasta e Fagioli

• Remove extra beef fat to control the soup's richness without losing flavor depth.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent bite throughout the soup.
• Add ditalini near the end to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente consistency.
• Swap kidney or cannellini beans with your preferred varieties like great northern or pinto beans for personal preference.
• Allow soup to simmer longer to develop richer, more complex flavor profiles from herbs and ingredients.

Saving and Reheating the Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated pasta e fagioli stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Avoid freezing pasta as it may become mushy.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Pour soup into pot, add splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Cook for 5-7 minutes, ensuring even temperature.
• Pour portion into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and add extra liquid if soup seems dry.

Pairings That Go With Pasta e Fagioli

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Perfect Pairings for Pasta E Fagioli
• Crusty Garlic Bread Delight: Slice a rustic Italian bread, brush with olive oil and garlic, then toast until golden brown. Its crispy texture and rich butter complement the hearty soup's robust flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese. These Italian wines offer subtle acidity and earthy notes that beautifully balance the soup's rich tomato and beef base.
• Fresh Herb Salad Boost: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and fresh basil. The bright, zesty greens cut through the soup's density and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Crisp Vegetable Crudités: Arrange a platter of raw vegetable sticks like cucumber, radish, and bell peppers. Their cool crunch and clean taste offer a delightful counterpoint to the warm, hearty soup.

Different Takes on Pasta e Fagioli

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete meatless adaptation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice pasta or quinoa shells. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip traditional pasta and use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce bean quantity to lower carbohydrate content while keeping protein levels consistent.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well and complement the soup's robust taste.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is perfect for this soup because its small size matches the other ingredients, creating a balanced bite. If you can’t find ditalini, small shells or elbow macaroni are good substitutes.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to keep it completely meat-free.

• How spicy is this Olive Garden copycat soup?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning. The base recipe has a warm, comforting flavor without being spicy.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! It contains protein from beef and beans, vegetables for nutrients, and carbohydrates from pasta. Each serving provides a good mix of macronutrients, making it a hearty and nutritious meal.

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s pasta e fagioli recipe brings hearty Italian comfort to home kitchens with rich, savory flavors. Packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, this soup delivers authentic warmth and satisfying textures you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Canned Ingredients and Liquid Base:

• 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dry ditalini pasta

Garnish:

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving

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Instructions

1. Caramelize ground beef in a medium-heat pot, continuously breaking and stirring until completely browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Retain a minimal amount of rendered fat for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Incorporate aromatic vegetables including onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables soften and release their fragrant essences, roughly 4-5 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
3. Introduce liquid components: tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Season with herbs like basil and oregano, alongside sugar, salt, and pepper. Elevate temperature to boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize.
4. Integrate ditalini pasta directly into simmering liquid. Cook for 9-11 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency, periodically monitoring liquid levels and adding water if mixture becomes overly concentrated.
5. Fold in kidney and cannellini beans, warming thoroughly for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring balanced flavor complexity.
6. Portion soup into serving vessels, crowning each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will subtly melt cheese, creating a luxurious finishing touch.

Notes

• Adjust beef fat for healthier version by using lean ground beef or draining excess grease completely to reduce calories.
• Swap pasta for gluten-free alternative like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Use low-sodium broth and control salt levels to make this dish heart-friendly and suitable for individuals monitoring sodium intake.
• Enhance vegetable nutrients by chopping them finely and not overcooking, preserving their texture and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 9 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg