This Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting, hearty soup full of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. With a savory combination of ground beef, tender vegetables, beans, and perfectly cooked pasta, this soup is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make and ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week. Best of all, this version captures the essence of Olive Garden’s famous dish while allowing you to enjoy it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- ½ cup of water
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 8 oz dry ditalini pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no pink remains. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- Once the beef is cooked, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning:
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Then add the sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer and Cook the Pasta:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes. Add the ditalini pasta and cook for another 10 minutes or until both the vegetables and pasta are tender.
5. Add Beans:
- Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans and cook until they are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Adjust Consistency:
- If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more water or broth to thin it out. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve:
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy hot with a side of crusty bread!
Description and Tips:
This Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect comfort food—warm, savory, and full of texture. The combination of two types of beans, tender vegetables, and ditalini pasta makes it hearty enough to be a meal on its own. The granulated sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while the herbs infuse the soup with a classic Italian flavor.
Tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, and don’t forget to sprinkle a generous amount before serving.
- The ditalini pasta can absorb a lot of liquid, so if you’re reheating leftovers, you might want to add some extra water or broth to bring the soup back to the desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or a mixture of both for added depth.
This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a side salad and will quickly become a favorite in your household!
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