Get the taste of Olive Garden’s famous Pasta e Fagioli soup at home with this delicious and easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in, this comforting dish is packed with flavor, hearty ingredients, and is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite bread for a delightful dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: Packed with robust flavors from fresh vegetables and spices, every spoonful warms the soul.
- Hearty Ingredients: With pasta, beans, and vegetables, this soup is filling enough to satisfy any appetite.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish; it’s great for lunch or dinner.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Ideal for making soups as it distributes heat evenly and allows for larger quantities.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface to chop your vegetables efficiently while protecting your countertops.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Pasta
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Basil
- salt/pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
Liquids & Broth
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
Beans
- 15 oz red kidney beans (rinsed/drained)
- 15 oz Great Northern Beans (drained/rinsed)
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot. Cook the Ditalini pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook until browned and crumbly. Set aside once cooked.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the minced garlic, diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt/pepper, Italian seasoning, cooked sausage, and 1 cup of water. Stir well.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Add Beans and Pasta
Stir in the rinsed red kidney beans and Great Northern beans along with the cooked pasta. Mix well until heated through.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle into bowls, serve hot, and enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!
This recipe yields about eight servings—perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Serving your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is easy and enjoyable. This hearty soup can be customized with various garnishes and side dishes to enhance the dining experience.
Garnish Ideas
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Add chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the soup.
Pairing Suggestions
- Salad: A simple side salad of mixed greens complements the soup beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Offer garlic bread as a crunchy side that pairs well with the flavors of the soup.
- Cheese Toast: Make cheese toast by broiling your favorite cheese on slices of bread for a tasty addition.
How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Perfecting your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup ensures a delightful meal every time. Follow these tips for an even better dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops richer flavors; just be cautious not to overcook the beans.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Complementing your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds a flavorful bite.
- Olive Oil Dipping Sauce: A mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs creates a perfect dip for bread.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms stuffed with herbed breadcrumbs provide a savory treat.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze are light and delicious.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, be mindful of these common mistakes to ensure the best flavors and textures.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavor. Don’t rush this part; take 3-4 minutes to cook them until tender.
- Overcooking the pasta: Pasta can become mushy in soup. Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften when added to the broth.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a more balanced flavor.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of your broth and tomatoes impacts the soup’s overall taste. Opt for high-quality or homemade chicken broth and canned tomatoes.
- Not letting it simmer enough: Allowing the soup to simmer deepens its flavors. Don’t skip this step; aim for at least 15 minutes on low heat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Best used within 2-3 months for quality taste.
Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
This is a homemade version of Olive Garden’s classic soup, featuring pasta, beans, vegetables, and Italian seasoning.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth. You can add more beans or vegetables for added protein.
How can I customize the flavors of my Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
Feel free to add different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or spice it up with red pepper flakes for extra heat!
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Ditalini pasta is traditional but you can substitute with any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells.
How do I know when the soup is done cooking?
The soup should be hot throughout with vegetables tender. The flavors develop best after simmering for at least 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy a warm bowl on a chilly night, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients!
Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup right in your kitchen. This easy-to-follow recipe combines hearty beans, tender vegetables, and al dente pasta in a rich tomato broth that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying lunch, this soup is quick to prepare and packed with robust flavor. Serve it on its own or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 15 oz red kidney beans (rinsed/drained)
- 15 oz Great Northern Beans (drained/rinsed)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- salt/pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook Ditalini pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, carrots, and celery for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, pepper, and the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in rinsed beans until heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Customize by adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat substitutes and use vegetable broth instead.
