Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: 5 Comforting Tips

Name: Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: 5 Comforting Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

6 października, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of Italian soup, don’t you think? It takes me back to cozy dinners with family, where laughter mingled with the rich aroma of simmering ingredients. Today, I’m thrilled to share my version of *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli*! This hearty soup is like a big hug in a bowl, filled with tender pasta, savory beans, and a medley of vegetables that come together beautifully. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something delicious, this recipe will surely become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling: This soup is a meal in itself! With ground beef, pasta, and beans, it’s loaded with protein and will keep you satisfied for hours.
Easy to make: Seriously, you can have this bubbling on your stove in no time! Just brown the meat, toss in the veggies, and let it simmer. It’s that simple!
Packed with flavor: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh veggies creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Great for meal prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It heats up beautifully, so you’ll always have a quick, nourishing meal ready to go!
Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of soup, and this one is no exception! Kids and adults alike will enjoy diving into this delicious, comforting dish.

Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

1 pound ground beef, browned
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Optional Ingredient Notes

If you’re looking to mix things up, don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients! For the beans, you can swap out the kidney or cannellini beans for black beans or navy beans if that’s what you have on hand. Each type brings its own unique flavor and texture to the soup! And if you’re more of a veggie lover, feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach—yum! When it comes to pasta, any small shape will do, but I particularly love using ditalini for that delightful bite-sized goodness. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas can vary. The key is to ensure everything is tender and melded together for that perfect bowl of comfort!

How to Prepare Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Getting this soup ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aromas! Let’s dive right into the steps so you can enjoy your delicious bowl of *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli* in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant.
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans, followed by the beef broth. Give it a good mix to combine all those wonderful flavors.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add your small pasta and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is when all the magic happens, so don’t rush it! The pasta will soak up all those delicious flavors.
Once the time is up, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can adjust it to your taste, but trust me, a little seasoning goes a long way!
Serve the soup hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of goodness. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to hearty soups like this *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli*, it’s good to know what you’re getting in each comforting bowl! Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values based on a standard serving size of 1 cup:

Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 20g
Sugar: 4g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But rest assured, this soup packs a nutritious punch while being absolutely delicious!

Tips for Success

To make sure your *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli* turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! Trust me, these little details can elevate your soup from good to fantastic.

Browning the meat: When you’re browning the ground beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. If it’s too crowded, it’ll steam instead of brown, and we want that rich flavor from the browning! So, give it some space to work its magic.
Veggie prep: Chop your onions, carrots, and celery into uniform sizes. This way, they’ll cook evenly and provide that perfect texture in every spoonful. Plus, don’t rush the sautéing step—letting them soften and become fragrant is key!
Seasoning: Remember to taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper at the end is a great way to enhance the flavors, but you can also sprinkle a bit in while the veggies are cooking. It helps draw out their natural sweetness!
Pasta cooking: Keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks. If you prefer it a bit firmer, you can cook it separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from getting too mushy in the soup!
Let it rest: If you have the time, let your soup sit for a few minutes before serving. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, comforting bowl of pasta e fagioli that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Variations of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

One of the best things about this *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli* is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Herb Infusion: If you’re a herb lover, try adding some fresh basil or oregano towards the end of cooking. It’ll brighten up the flavors and give your soup a fresh twist!
Spicy Kick: Want to spice things up? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the vegetables. It’ll add a nice heat that complements the hearty flavors.
Vegetable Medley: Feel free to sneak in extra veggies! Chopped zucchini, spinach, or even kale can add a nutritious boost. Just add them in with the broth so they cook down nicely.
Different Beans: Mix it up with beans! Swap the kidney beans for black beans for a different flavor profile, or use chickpeas for a change in texture. Each type of bean brings something unique to the table.
Cheesy Goodness: For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta cheese right before serving. It’ll make your soup extra creamy and indulgent!
Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead! You can add in more beans and veggies to keep it hearty.

These variations are a great way to keep things exciting in your kitchen! Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own. After all, cooking is all about having fun and enjoying delicious food!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your steaming bowl of *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli*, let’s talk about how to elevate your dining experience! This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes that will make your meal even more delightful.

Crusty Bread: Nothing beats a warm, crusty loaf of Italian bread or a fresh baguette for dipping! It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. You can even slice it and toast it with a bit of garlic and olive oil for an added flavor boost!
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad on the side adds a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup. The crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese are a match made in heaven!
Garlic Knots: If you want to indulge a bit more, serve some homemade or store-bought garlic knots. Their buttery, garlicky goodness complements the soup perfectly.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add a bright, fresh element to your meal. It’s a great way to balance the richness of the soup!
Parmesan Cheese: Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of your soup right before serving. It adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances every spoonful!
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, keep some red pepper flakes on the table. A sprinkle on top of the soup adds a nice kick that many will enjoy!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli*, you’re in luck! This soup stores beautifully, and I’ve got some tips to keep it tasting fresh and flavorful.

First off, let the soup cool down to room temperature before you store it. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best to portion it out so you can grab just what you need later. This soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy those hearty flavors!

If you want to keep it for even longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If it seems a bit thick after thawing, feel free to add a splash of beef broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Just cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splattering, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through.

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor every last spoonful of your *copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli* just as if it were freshly made. Enjoy!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.