Name: Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes; 1 large onion, diced into small cubes; 1 stalk celery, diced into small cubes; 3 cloves garlic; 15 oz canned diced tomatoes; 15 oz tomato sauce; 32 oz chicken broth; 15 oz canned Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed; 15 oz canned Kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste; 1 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste; 2 tbsp fresh basil (optional)

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Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Pasta e Fagioli recipe! Packed with savory flavors and easy to make, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
Quick prep time for a convenient meal option.
Perfect for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

Lean ground beef: Adds protein and richness to the dish. You can also use ground turkey as a substitute.
Olive oil: Used for cooking and adds a subtle flavor.

Carrots, onion, celery, and garlic: These vegetables provide a flavorful base for the soup.
Canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: Adds a rich tomato flavor to the soup.

Chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the soup.
Great Northern beans and Kidney beans: Add protein and texture to the dish.
Ditalini pasta: Small pasta that is perfect for soups.
Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper: Seasonings to enhance the flavors.

Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

On medium heat, preheat a large pot or dutch oven with oil. Add ground beef and let it brown (5-7 minutes). Break it apart into small pieces as it cooks.
Remove cooked beef from the pot, drain excess fat, and set aside.

In the same pot, add diced carrots, onion, celery, and garlic. Saute until the vegetables are softened (about 5 minutes).
Add canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef back to the pot. Stir to combine.
Add Great Northern and kidney beans, pour chicken broth, and let simmer for about 15 minutes.

Add pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes.
Serve with a sprinkle of basil or parmesan cheese.

Helpful Tips:

For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference for a personalized touch.
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
Stir the soup occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors develop even more.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Pasta e Fagioli with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or a light Italian red ale would complement the flavors perfectly.

Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain the soup’s consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you prefer.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and saute the vegetables before adding everything to the slow cooker.

Conclusion:

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect Pasta e Fagioli, it’s time to get cooking! This Olive Garden Copycat recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Enjoy!