Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Explore the ultimate comfort food with our Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe! Packed with savory flavors, this hearty soup features tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a medley of vegetables in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 (8oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5oz) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Cook Ground Beef:

• In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink is showing.

Add Vegetables:

• Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot.

Combine Ingredients:

• Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, canned tomatoes, water, granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes.

Cook Pasta:

• Add the dry ditalini pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the vegetables and pasta are tender.

Add Beans:

• Stir in the drained and rinsed dark red kidney beans and cannellini beans. Cook until heated through.

Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add more water for a thinner consistency.

Serve:

• Ladle the Pasta e Fagioli into bowls and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

• Yes, feel free to substitute ditalini pasta with any small pasta shape like macaroni or small shells.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

• Absolutely! This soup reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Pasta e Fagioli?

• Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with Pasta e Fagioli?

• This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple salad, or a side of garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.

Is Pasta e Fagioli gluten-free?

• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.