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 soup offers a rich blend of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, beans, and fresh vegetables creates a hearty flavor that warms the soul.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and quick cooking time, you can have this satisfying soup ready in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as part of a meal with salad and bread for a complete experience.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from beans and vitamins from vegetables, this soup is both comforting and healthy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, everyone will love digging into this flavorful bowl of goodness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather the right tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot: This is crucial for cooking the soup evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor in every batch of soup.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board helps with safe chopping of your vegetables without slipping.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing vegetables, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients

To make this delightful Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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)

For the Broth

• 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 Added Protein

• 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. Add the Ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions. Once done, 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. Cook until browned and crumbly. Once cooked through, remove from pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic, diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt/pepper to taste, Italian seasoning, cooked sausage, and 1 cup water. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer for approximately 15 minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 6: Add Beans and Pasta

Stir in the rinsed red kidney beans and Great Northern Beans along with the cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly until heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

With Freshly Baked Bread

• Serve the soup alongside a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the delicious broth, making every bite satisfying.

Topped with Parmesan Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

Accompanied by a Simple Salad

• Pair with a light mixed greens salad. Use a vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty soup with freshness.

In a Bread Bowl

• For an extra special touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks impressive but also adds flavor as you eat.

With a Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the soup just before serving enhances its richness and flavor profile.

How to Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To achieve the best results with your Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Cook pasta al dente: Undercook the pasta slightly, as it will absorb moisture while simmering in the soup.
• Allow flavors to meld: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for optimal flavor.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing time for flavors to develop.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making reheating easy and convenient.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that pairs well with any Italian dish, garlic bread adds crunch and flavor.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

3. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a vibrant appetizer or side dish.

4. Antipasto Platter
   A selection of olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted peppers offers variety and complements the flavors of the soup.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make for an elegant addition to your meal.

6. Polenta Fries
   Crispy polenta fries are a unique twist that pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using the wrong type of pasta: Choose Ditalini or another small pasta for the best texture. Larger pastas can overpower the soup.
• Not seasoning enough: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to enhance flavors instead of relying on a fixed amount.
• Overcooking vegetables: Sauté veggies just until tender. Overcooked vegetables can lose their texture and flavor in the soup.
• Skipping the simmering step: Allow your soup to simmer for 15 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together for a richer taste.
• Adding beans too early: Add beans towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their shape.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add water or broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I customize Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

What can I serve with this soup?

Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

How long does it take to make?

The total time is around 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different proteins and vegetables based on your preferences. Try it out today for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy!