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 dish combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients to create a comforting bowl of goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad, this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this comforting soup in just 30 minutes.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, beans, and spices creates a depth of flavor that warms the soul.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a hearty main dish or pair it with bread for a satisfying meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup is nutritious and filling.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delightful world of cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process and helps you enjoy your time in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning. Its design retains heat well.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make the recipe.
• Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife aids in quick dicing of vegetables, making preparation efficient.
• Wooden Spoon: Gentle on pots, it’s perfect for stirring without scratching the surface.

Ingredients

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!

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

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried Basil
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Beans

• 1 cup water
• 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 until al dente. Drain 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 and cook until browned and crumbly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté 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 they become tender.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to meld all flavors together.

Step 6: Add Beans and Pasta

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

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

This recipe yields about 8 servings—a perfect amount for gatherings or meal prep throughout the week!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty dish pairs well with several accompaniments that enhance its flavors and create a satisfying dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and flavorful, garlic breadsticks bring an extra layer of taste to your meal.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing complements the soup’s hearty texture.
• Mixed Green Salad – Light and refreshing, a mixed green salad can balance the richness of the soup.

Top with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grating fresh Parmesan on top adds a nutty flavor that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melting mozzarella on top provides a creamy contrast to the broth.

Serve with a Beverage

• Sparkling Water – The fizz can cleanse your palate between bites.
• Herbal Tea – A warm herbal tea can be soothing alongside this comforting soup.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To make your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you cook to ensure the right balance of salt and spices; this can vary based on personal preference.
• Let it Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors; aim for at least 15 minutes.
• Store Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
• Reheat Gently – When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent overcooking the pasta.
• Customize Your Beans – Feel free to mix up the types of beans used for added texture and flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Complementing your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup with side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
2. Antipasto Platter – An assortment of olives, peppers, and cheeses adds variety and excitement to your meal.
3. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil creates a light appetizer that pairs beautifully with soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make for a filling side option.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside your soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition while complementing the flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong pasta: Ditalini is the traditional choice for this soup. Substituting with larger pasta can change the texture and cooking time.
• Not sautéing vegetables enough: Sautéing your garlic, onion, carrots, and celery enhances their flavors. Skip this step and your soup may taste flat.
• Adding too much broth: Too much liquid can dilute flavors. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for the best outcome.
• Skipping the seasoning: Seasoning is key. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to ensure a balanced flavor in your soup.
• Overcooking the beans: Adding beans too early or cooking them too long can lead to mushy textures. Add them toward the end of cooking for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta and beans. This version mimics Olive Garden’s famous recipe.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.

How long does it take to make Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

This delicious soup can be ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!

What beans can I use in this recipe?

Red kidney beans and Great Northern beans are traditional choices, but you can also use cannellini beans if you prefer.

Can I use different types of pasta?

While Ditalini is recommended, you could try small shells or other small pasta shapes if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing for various ingredient swaps based on your preferences. Experiment with different vegetables or legumes to make it your own! It’s perfect for cozy nights in or as a hearty meal option any day of the week.