7 Reasons Why This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup Copycat is the Best Comfort Food

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, then you’ve probably tasted their famous Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This hearty and comforting soup, filled with tender pasta, beans, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, has long been a crowd favorite. But what if you could recreate this delicious soup at home, in your own kitchen? The good news is, you can!

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat recipe brings the same bold flavors and satisfying texture of the restaurant version, but with the convenience of making it yourself. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl for dinner or hosting a cozy gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. Best of all, it’s easy to make and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love making this Pasta e Fagioli Copycat soup at home:

• Restaurant-quality taste: Recreating your favorite Olive Garden soup at home means you get all the rich flavors without leaving your house.
• Simple ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and beans, making it easy to put together without a trip to the grocery store for specialty items.
• Hearty and filling: Packed with ground beef, pasta, and vegetables, this soup is filling enough to be a main dish that will keep you satisfied.
• Perfect for meal prep: This soup makes great leftovers! You can store it in the fridge for several days or freeze it for later, so you always have a quick and comforting meal on hand.
• Customizable: This soup is easy to make your own! You can swap out ingredients like the type of beans, use different pasta shapes, or make it spicier depending on your preference.

For more beef soup recipes that are just as comforting, check out our copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup or Tuscano Soup recipes!

Ingredients for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat

To make this Pasta e Fagioli Copycat soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean beef works best, but you can use turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a milder flavor)
• 1 cup uncooked small pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini works best)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
• 1/2 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for added creaminess)

These ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful soup that is comforting and perfect for any occasion.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To make this delicious soup, you will need the following kitchen tools:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For simmering the soup and cooking the beef and vegetables.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring and breaking up the beef as it cooks.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables and herbs.
• Measuring spoons: To measure the dried herbs and seasonings.
• Ladle: For serving the soup.

These simple tools make the process of making this Pasta Fagioli Soup a breeze!

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat Soup (Step-by-Step)

Making Homemade Pasta e Fagioli soup is simple and can be done in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and chopped celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and beef broth. Bring the soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the soup. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked pasta and let the soup simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Add the Spinach and Cream

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the spinach and heavy cream (if using). Let the spinach wilt and the cream blend in, then remove the soup from heat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a slice of crusty bread on the side. Your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat soup is ready to enjoy!

Save

Why This Copycat Olive Garden Soup Is So Special

This Pasta e Fagioli Soup Copycat is special because it brings the flavors of the beloved Olive Garden soup right to your kitchen in a simple, homemade version. The combination of ground beef, beans, and pasta creates a hearty, satisfying dish that’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. The addition of spinach and cream adds a touch of freshness and richness that elevates the soup to the next level.

What makes this recipe stand out is its ability to be easily customized. Whether you prefer more heat, more veggies, or a richer broth, this soup is flexible enough to meet your preferences.

Creative Variations for Your Pasta e Fagioli Soup

While the Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add Italian sausage: For a more savory flavor, try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage. This adds extra seasoning and depth to the soup.
• Vegetarian option: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
• Spicy Pasta e Fagioli: For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes, or toss in a finely chopped jalapeño pepper along with the vegetables.
• Creamy version: If you love creamy soups, add more heavy cream or even a scoop of cream cheese for extra richness.

These variations will make this Pasta Fagioli Soup even more adaptable to your tastes and dietary preferences.

How to Serve and Store Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Serving:

This soup is perfect as a main course and can be paired with a side of crusty bread, a light salad, or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a hearty salad or grilled chicken.

Storing:

Leftovers of this Pasta Fagioli Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. To reheat, simply place it on the stove over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

If you want to store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Pair This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat with Other Delicious Soups

If you love Pasta e Fagioli Soup, be sure to try these other copycat Olive Garden soups:

• Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup: A fresh and hearty vegetable soup filled with beans, pasta, and a savory broth.
• Copycat Olive Garden Tuscano Soup: A rich and creamy soup made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale.
• Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana: Another favorite, made with sausage, kale, and potatoes in a creamy broth.

These pasta soup recipes are perfect for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s soups!

Why Pasta e Fagioli Soup is Perfect for All Seasons

Although Pasta e Fagioli Soup is especially comforting during the cooler months, it’s a versatile dish that works year-round. The combination of beans, pasta, and vegetables makes it filling and satisfying, whether served in winter or on a cool evening in the spring or fall.

You can also enjoy it as a light meal or appetizer in the summer, served alongside a crisp salad and a cold drink. It’s the perfect soup for any time of the year!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To make sure your Pasta e Fagioli Soup comes out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta, as overcooking it can make it mushy. Add it near the end of the cooking process to keep it firm.
• Not adjusting the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
• Using watery broth: For a richer flavor, use a good quality beef broth or chicken broth. Avoid using too much water, which can dilute the flavor.

By avoiding these mistakes, your Pasta e Fagioli Soup will be flavorful, hearty, and perfect every time!

The Health Benefits of Pasta e Fagioli Soup

This Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only delicious, but also packed with health benefits:

• High in protein: Thanks to the ground beef and beans, this soup provides a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• Packed with fiber: The beans, spinach, and vegetables in the soup provide a healthy dose of fiber, which is important for digestion and heart health.
• Vitamins and minerals: This soup contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, which help support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.

Save

FAQs About Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Can I make this soup in a crockpot?
Yes, you can! To make this Pasta e Fagioli Soup in the crockpot, simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then add them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any small pasta, such as penne, ditalini, or rotini. Adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape you choose.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts: A Comforting, Easy Soup That Feels Like Dining Out

This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Copycat soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy evening at home, or prepping meals for the week, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Give this recipe a try, and be sure to share it with friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more copycat Olive Garden recipes, pasta soup recipes, and other comforting dishes!

Print