Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Comfort Dish

Do you crave the warm, hearty goodness of Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli? You’re in luck! This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe brings that comforting dish right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this rich soup packed with flavor. Ready to impress your family and friends with a bowl of comfort? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 carrot, diced

– 1 celery stalk, diced

– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

– 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

– 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs

– 4 cups beef broth

– 1 cup water

– 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

In this dish, I use olive oil to sauté my veggies. The onion, carrot, and celery add great flavor. I often choose ground beef, but turkey works well too. Kidney beans and cannellini beans give a nice mix of textures. The diced tomatoes bring in a touch of sweetness. Beef broth and water help create a rich base. Finally, I add small pasta for heartiness.

Additional Seasonings

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– Salt and pepper for seasoning

For seasonings, I use oregano and basil for classic Italian taste. Red pepper flakes add a little heat. I always taste and adjust salt and pepper to my liking. This balance of flavors makes the dish shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This oil helps to bring out the flavors in the veggies.

2. Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk to the pot. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.

3. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute to release that lovely garlic aroma.

4. Now, it’s time for the meat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it turns brown. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it.

Combining Ingredients

5. After the meat is browned, it’s time to add the beans and broth. Toss in 1 can of rinsed kidney beans, 1 can of rinsed cannellini beans, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with Italian herbs.

6. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of water. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.

7. Now, season the mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This will make your soup burst with flavor.

Cooking the Pasta

8. Bring the soup to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle.

9. After 20 minutes, add 1 cup of small pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni, to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

10. Taste the soup. Adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

11. Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top it with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This adds a fresh touch to your comforting dish.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Flavor

To make Pasta e Fagioli just right, focus on spices. Start with the red pepper flakes. If you like heat, add more. For a milder dish, use less. Fresh herbs like parsley can boost flavors too. Adding them at the end keeps them bright and tasty.

Cooking Techniques

The best pot for this soup is a large, heavy-bottomed pot. It spreads heat evenly. This helps cook the meat well. When browning meat, make sure it gets a nice color. This adds depth to the flavor. Break it up as it cooks for even browning.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your soup with grated Parmesan cheese. It melts slightly and adds creaminess. Chopped parsley on top gives a fresh touch. To enjoy it fully, pair it with crusty bread or a crisp salad. This makes a complete meal and enhances the comfort factor.

Variations

Meat Alternatives

You can switch up the meat in this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options make the soup lighter but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian option, skip the meat altogether. You can add more beans or even mushrooms for texture. This keeps the heartiness without losing flavor.

Pasta Alternatives

If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices. Look for small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. These shapes fit nicely in the soup. They soak up the flavors well, making each bite delicious.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost the flavor, consider adding extra vegetables. Zucchini or spinach are excellent choices. They add color and nutrients. You can also use different types of broth. If you want a richer taste, use chicken broth instead of beef. This small change can make a big difference in flavor.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Pasta e Fagioli, store the leftovers in a safe way. Here are some tips:

– Refrigeration tips: Cool the soup to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date.

– Freezing for later use: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

When it’s time to eat your leftovers, you need to reheat them properly. Here’s how:

– Best methods to reheat: The best way to reheat is on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts.

– Avoiding overcooking the pasta: Be careful with the pasta. If you overheat, it can get too soft. Warm the soup just until hot, then serve. This keeps the pasta nice and firm.

FAQs

Common Questions

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef. This makes the dish lighter but just as tasty. You can also try cooked lentils for a plant-based option. They add fiber and protein.

How long can I store Pasta e Fagioli?

You can keep Pasta e Fagioli in the fridge for about three to four days. Just store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze it.

Recipe Adaptations

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Pasta e Fagioli in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients except the pasta. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is it possible to make it vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegan, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Replace the beans with your choice of legumes. You can also add more veggies for flavor and texture.

Additional Tips

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. This will take more time but will enhance the flavor.

How do I make Pasta e Fagioli spicier?

To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also include chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice to your liking!

In this blog post, we explored the rich ingredients and steps to make Pasta e Fagioli. We covered main ingredients like olive oil, ground meat, and beans. I shared tips on perfecting flavor and methods for storing leftovers. You can even adapt the recipe with meat alternatives or add fresh veggies. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Enjoy experimenting with this dish to find your ideal taste. With the right techniques, you’ll create a delightful soup that everyone will lov