Copycat Olive Garden Pasta

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

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with our Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe. This hearty and flavorful soup is a beloved classic, and now you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen. Packed with a medley of beans, vegetables, ground beef, and pasta, this Pasta e Fagioli promises a bowlful of comfort. Join us as we guide you through the steps to replicate the Olive Garden experience in your home, with each spoonful bringing warmth and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta, cooked according to package instructions

For Garnish:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
  3. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  1. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
  2. Sauté until vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

  1. Stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  2. Pour in beef broth and water.
  3. Add dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

  1. In a separate pot, cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Soup

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the soup.
  2. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

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

Cook Notes

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth if needed.

Variations

Vegetarian Delight

  • Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for additional flavor.

Spicy Sausage Twist

  • Replace ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
  • Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Chicken and White Bean Extravaganza

  • Substitute ground beef with ground chicken.
  • Use white beans exclusively for a lighter version.

Keto Version

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

For the Soup Base:

  • Increase the amount of ground beef for added fat content.
  • Use a low-carb tomato sauce or reduce the amount.

For the Pasta:

  • Replace ditalini pasta with a low-carb alternative like zoodles or shirataki noodles.

Garnish:

  • Opt for a keto-friendly Parmesan cheese.

Low-Carb Version

Trim down the carbs without sacrificing taste:

For the Soup Base:

  • Increase the amount of ground beef for added richness.
  • Use a low-carb tomato sauce or reduce the amount.

For the Pasta:

  • Replace ditalini pasta with a low-carb alternative like zoodles or shirataki noodles.

Garnish:

  • Opt for a low-carb Parmesan cheese.

In conclusion, the Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a testament to the beauty of homemade Italian comfort food. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into vegetarian or meaty variations, or explore keto or low-carb adaptations, the result is a soup that captures the essence of heartwarming goodness. Share this delightful creation with friends and family, serve it at gatherings, or simply enjoy a bowl on a chilly evening. Let the medley of beans, vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth transport you to the cozy atmosphere of an Italian kitchen. Mangia!