Description
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 at home. A hearty soup filled with tender pasta, beans, vegetables, and flavorful herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean beef works best, or 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)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Season the Soup: Add basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Spinach and Cream: Stir in spinach and heavy cream (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is incorporated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle soup into bowls and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a slice of crusty bread.
Notes
- Add Italian Sausage: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra savory flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add jalapeños for more heat.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, add more heavy cream or a scoop of cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, Copycat Soup, Beef Soup, Pasta e Fagioli, Hearty Soup