Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli: A Hearty Italian Classic at Home

Transport your taste buds to the rustic charm of Italy with our Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe. This hearty and flavorful soup, rich with a medley of beans, pasta, vegetables, and savory broth, mirrors the renowned Olive Garden version. Now you can recreate this comforting classic in your own kitchen, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of Italian herbs and simmering goodness. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to craft a bowl of Pasta e Fagioli that rivals your favorite restaurant experience.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ditalini or small pasta of choice, cooked

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

1. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
2. Add beef broth, water, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Combine

1. In a separate pot, cook the ditalini or pasta of choice according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the soup just before serving, ensuring it stays al dente.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli into bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Cook Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth.
• Adjust the soup’s thickness by adding more water or broth if needed.

Variations

Spicy Kick

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.

Greens Galore

• Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or kale before serving for added nutrition.

Sausage Surprise

• Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor.

Keto Version

For those on a keto journey, enjoy the flavors with these modifications:

Bean Substitute:

• Increase the amount of ground meat and add additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Pasta Substitute:

• Replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets.

Low-Carb Version

Trim down the carbs without sacrificing taste:

Bean Substitute:

• Opt for lower-carb beans like black soybeans.

Pasta Substitute:

• Use low-carb pasta alternatives or shirataki noodles.

In conclusion, our Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe invites you to savor the comforting embrace of an Italian classic within the cozy confines of your home. Whether you follow the classic recipe, explore tempting variations, or adapt it to keto or low-carb preferences, this soup is a celebration of heartiness and flavor. Share it with family and friends, savor it on a chilly evening, or make it a staple in your weekly menu rotation. Let the combination of beans, pasta, vegetables, and savory broth transport you to the heart of Italy, filling your senses with warmth and satisfaction. Elevate your soup game with this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli—a bowlful of authentic Italian goodness that promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.