Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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 and wholesome ingredients. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in around 30 minutes.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices, beans, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying broth that warms the soul.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside your favorite salad or bread for a complete meal.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a healthy choice for any family dinner.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the types of beans for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment ensures that you’ll be able to prepare the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly without crowding; it helps achieve perfectly cooked noodles.
• Dutch oven: Excellent for simmering soups evenly due to its heavy bottom; it retains heat well for consistent cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots; it allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements, leading to the best flavor balance in your soup.

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Ingredients

Get ready to gather all the ingredients needed for this delightful dish:

For the Soup Base

• 1 cup Ditalini pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 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
• 1 tsp dried Basil
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup water

For the 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 and cook the Ditalini pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, cooking until it’s crumbly and browned through. Set aside once done.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic, diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re tender.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt/pepper, Italian seasoning, browned sausage, and 1 cup of water into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Beans and Pasta

Stir in both types of beans along with the cooked Ditalini pasta. Mix well until everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your delicious Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy this warm comfort food with family or friends!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.

Add a Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup’s flavors and adds freshness.

Top with Parmesan Cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Offer Croutons

• Crunchy croutons can provide texture and contrast to the smooth soup.

Serve with Garlic Breadsticks

• Classic garlic breadsticks make for a delicious side that pairs wonderfully with the soup.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To make your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup truly exceptional, consider these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the overall flavor and nutritional value of the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to add more herbs or spices according to your preference.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors and improve the texture.
• Add More Beans: For added protein and fiber, include more beans or use different varieties for diversity.
• Customize Noodles: If Ditalini isn’t available, any small pasta shape works well in this comforting dish.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that brings warmth and flavor, perfect for dipping in the soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons make a refreshing side.

3. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a bright contrast.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   These savory stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables complement the soup nicely.

5. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to balance out the meal.

6. Cheesy Biscuits
   Soft, cheesy biscuits are ideal for soaking up every last drop of your delicious soup.

7. Antipasto Platter
   A variety of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables provide a flavorful appetizer before the main dish.

8. Quinoa Salad
   This nutty salad adds a healthy twist and pairs well with the heartiness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the vegetables and garlic before adding them can result in a bland soup. Make sure to sauté until tender for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta directly in the soup, it may become mushy. Instead, cook it separately and add it at the end.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Different brands of broth and tomatoes vary in saltiness. Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt or pepper as needed.
• Rushing the simmering process: Allowing your soup to simmer for at least 15 minutes helps meld the flavors together. Don’t rush this step for best results.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh and high-quality ingredients will elevate your soup. Choose fresh vegetables and quality broth for enhanced flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup.

Can I use different types of beans in this soup?

Yes! You can substitute any beans you prefer, such as black beans or cannellini beans, according to your taste.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, replace sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. With its hearty mix of beans, pasta, and vegetables, it makes a perfect meal any time of year. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!