Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

Even better than Olive Garden’s infamous recipe, this Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe) is an Italian-inspired soup loaded with hearty beef, plenty of veggies, beans, and orzo. It’s comforting and delicious, making it perfect for easy meal prep on cold winter nights or as a satisfying option for lunch. This dish combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, ensuring you’ll enjoy it any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With a quick prep time of just 5 minutes, this soup comes together in under an hour.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beef, beans, and orzo, it’s a complete meal that satisfies your hunger.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or beans based on what you have at home.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy gathering, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Pasta E Fagioli soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking of ingredients while providing enough room for stirring.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface; it also helps break up the beef into crumbles.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in cooking; accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 whole carrots (diced)
• 3 celery stalks (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 6-8 cups low-sodium beef broth

For the Beans

• 1 can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

For Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons basil
• 2 whole bay leaves

For the Tomato Base

• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

For the Pasta

• 3/4 cup dried orzo pasta

How to Make Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef:
* Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
* Drain excess fat before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Next, stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery:
* Cook for about 3–4 minutes until tender.
* Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to build flavor:
* Add low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, drained beans, seasonings, and crushed tomatoes.
* Stir everything well to combine. Adjust seasonings based on your preference.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring your mixture to a boil:
* Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low.
* Cover with a lid and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Orzo Pasta

Finally, add uncooked orzo pasta:
* Cook for an additional 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Serve & Store

Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Store any leftovers:
* Keep pasta and soup separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This delightful Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe) is sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy each warm bowl filled with comfort.

How to Serve Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

Serving Pasta E Fagioli can elevate your meal experience, making it both comforting and delightful. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It soaks up the flavorful broth perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or basil. This adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile.

With Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds richness and depth to the overall taste.

As a Pre-Main Course

• Serve smaller portions as an appetizer before the main course. It’s a great way to warm up your guests’ appetites.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A light green salad pairs well with Pasta E Fagioli. The freshness balances the hearty flavors of the soup.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation!

How to Perfect Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

Perfecting your Pasta E Fagioli is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide vibrant flavors compared to dried or canned options.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed during cooking.
• Cook Orzo Separately: For best texture, consider cooking orzo separately and adding it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
• Allow Flavors to Meld: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking allows all the flavors to combine beautifully.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans for variety in flavor and texture; black beans or lentils also work well.
• Store Properly: Keep pasta and broth separate if storing leftovers. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

Pairing side dishes with Pasta E Fagioli can enhance your meal significantly. Consider these options for a balanced dining experience.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread complements the rich broth wonderfully.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds freshness that contrasts nicely with the hearty soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing taste that pairs well with Italian flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted seasonal veggies add crunch and nutrients to your meal.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites make for an excellent finger food alongside your soup.
6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies provides variety and keeps things interesting at the table.
7. Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries are a delightful side that adds texture to your meal.
8. Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia topped with herbs is perfect for soaking up every bit of the delicious broth!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Pasta E Fagioli can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the browning step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Ensure your meat is nicely browned before adding vegetables.

• Boldly overlook seasoning: Skipping on seasonings may result in a bland soup. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process for better flavor.

• Boldly ignore vegetable size: Cutting vegetables unevenly might cause some to overcook while others remain hard. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.

• Boldly rush the simmering time: Not allowing enough time for flavors to meld can leave your soup tasting flat. Be patient and let it simmer as instructed.

• Boldly forget about pasta timing: Adding orzo too early can lead to mushy pasta. Always add it towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pasta E Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta E Fagioli.

What is Pasta E Fagioli?

Pasta E Fagioli is an Italian-inspired soup that combines pasta with beans, vegetables, and often meat, creating a hearty meal.

Can I make Pasta E Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with mushrooms or extra beans and increase veggies for a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.

How do I customize my Pasta E Fagioli?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or kale, or switch up the beans based on what you have on hand!

What can I serve with this Olive Garden Copycat Recipe?

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that pairs beautifully with this comforting soup.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta E Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe) is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s not only comforting but also versatile—perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners. Experiment with ingredients to make it your own!