Hearty & Flavorful Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe: An Olive Garden Copycat Made Easy

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredible Pasta Fagioli recipe! This hearty Italian-American soup is generously packed with tender pasta, protein-rich beans, savory ground beef, a colorful medley of vegetables, and a symphony of aromatic seasonings, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience – an easy one-pot wonder (with the pasta cooked separately for perfection) that can effortlessly feed a hungry crowd on a chilly day and even tastes better the next day as leftovers.

Originating from Italy, “Pasta e Fagioli” literally translates to “pasta and beans,” a humble dish born from cucina povera (peasant cooking) that has evolved into a beloved staple worldwide. Our version captures that authentic Italian spirit while bringing the familiar, comforting taste of the famous Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli right to your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a soup that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly simple to prepare.

Why This Pasta Fagioli Recipe Is a Must-Try

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While there are countless variations of pasta fagioli across Italy and beyond, the core principle remains the same: a harmonious blend of pasta and beans. Our recipe builds on this classic foundation by introducing a robust mix of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and carefully selected seasonings, all simmered in a savory broth. This creates a deeply satisfying and well-rounded meal that’s both nutritious and incredibly delicious.

This particular recipe is our homage to the iconic Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, known for its rich flavors and comforting consistency. We’ve meticulously crafted this copycat recipe to bring that beloved restaurant taste directly to your home, without the need for a reservation. If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s menu, you’ll also love our copycat recipe for their famous Zuppa Toscana and those irresistibly garlicky breadsticks that always seem to disappear too quickly. There’s truly something special about that soup, salad, and breadsticks combination, and now you can recreate it all!

What makes this recipe truly shine is its perfect balance. The tender ditalini pasta provides comforting carbohydrates, while the two types of beans (kidney and cannellini) offer a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. The ground beef adds a rich, meaty depth, complemented by the fresh crunch of carrots, celery, and onion. The secret lies in the long simmer, allowing all these distinct flavors to meld into a complex, satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s a wholesome, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Pasta Fagioli

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Crafting this delicious Pasta Fagioli requires a selection of readily available ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of flavors and textures. From the hearty beef to the vibrant vegetables and savory broth, each component plays a crucial role in making this soup truly exceptional. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, make sure to check out the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.

Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions

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Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and explore some clever substitutions to help you make this recipe your own, catering to your dietary needs or what you have on hand.

• PASTA: The traditional choice for Pasta Fagioli is ditalini pasta, a small, short tube-shaped pasta that holds the broth beautifully and is easy to eat with a spoon. If ditalini isn’t available at your local grocery store, don’t worry! Any other small pasta shape will work wonderfully. Consider using elbow macaroni, small shells, or tubettini (a slightly smaller version of ditalini). The goal is a pasta that integrates well with the soup rather than dominating it. Remember to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
• BEANS: Our recipe calls for a duo of dark red kidney beans and cannellini beans (also known as white kidney beans). This combination offers both heartiness and creaminess. Kidney beans provide a robust texture, while cannellini beans contribute a milder flavor and a wonderfully soft, almost buttery consistency that thickens the soup slightly. If cannellini beans are hard to find, great northern beans or even navy beans make excellent substitutes, offering a similar mild flavor and creamy texture. Always drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
• BEEF: We typically opt for a 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio for ground beef, which provides excellent flavor without too much grease. However, you can use your preferred percentage. For those looking for alternatives, ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic leaner options that will still provide a delicious protein base. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the beef entirely. In this case, we recommend increasing the quantity of both kidney and cannellini beans by about 50% to ensure the soup remains satisfyingly substantial. You could also add some diced mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute for extra umami.
• VEGETABLES: The classic mirepoix (onion, carrots, and celery) forms the aromatic foundation of this soup, imparting a deep, savory sweetness. Fresh minced garlic is essential for that pungent, authentic Italian flavor. For added nutrition and color, consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering, allowing them to wilt slightly.
• TOMATOES & SAUCE: Diced tomatoes provide texture and a bright, tangy flavor, while tomato sauce adds body and depth to the broth. Using two 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes ensures a good balance of tomatoey goodness. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or even passata. A pinch of sugar (as listed in the recipe) helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• BROTH: Beef broth is key to the rich, savory base of this soup. Choose a good quality broth for the best flavor. For a vegetarian option, simply swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
• SEASONINGS: Dried basil and oregano are the stars of Italian seasoning, bringing warmth and herbal notes to the soup. Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning to taste. Don’t underestimate the small amount of sugar – it truly helps to mellow out the acidity from the tomatoes, rounding out the flavors beautifully. For an extra layer of complexity, you might consider adding a bay leaf during simmering (remember to remove it before serving) or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

How to Craft Your Perfect Pasta Fagioli (Step-by-Step)

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Follow these straightforward steps to create a hearty and flavorful Pasta Fagioli that will impress everyone at your table. These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize the process. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.

1. **Brown the Ground Beef:** Begin by browning your ground beef over medium heat in a sturdy 5.5 quart Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. This typically takes about 7 minutes. Ensure the beef is fully cooked and has developed a nice brown color, which adds significant flavor to the soup base.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Once the ground beef is nicely browned, drain off most of the accumulated grease. This prevents the soup from becoming overly oily. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor foundation. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
   
3. **Simmer for Flavor:** Now, add all the remaining ingredients to the pot, except for the ditalini pasta. This includes the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), both types of beans (drained and rinsed), tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it continue to simmer for at least 20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the ingredients to meld together, developing a rich and complex flavor profile. For even deeper flavors, you can let it simmer for up to 2 hours, making it an excellent candidate for a slow cooker adaptation as well.
   
4. **Cook the Pasta Separately:** While the soup is simmering and its flavors are deepening, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This is a critical step for perfect texture! Just before you’re ready to serve the soup, add the drained pasta directly to the main pot of soup.

   **EXPERT TIP:** If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s highly recommended to only add the cooked pasta to individual bowls as you serve them. When pasta sits in the refrigerator submerged in broth, it tends to absorb a significant amount of liquid and can become mushy. By adding it fresh to each serving, you ensure perfectly textured pasta every time, even with leftovers.

   

5. **Garnish and Enjoy:** Ladle the hot Pasta Fagioli into bowls. For a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful presentation, garnish generously with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Pasta Fagioli

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Delicious Serving Suggestions for Pasta Fagioli

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This comforting Pasta Fagioli soup is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments. Serve it piping hot with generous chunks of crusty Italian bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. For that classic Olive Garden experience, warm breadsticks or slices of garlic bread are absolute must-haves. A crisp, refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect counterpoint to the hearty soup. Don’t forget to garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese just before serving – these additions elevate the flavors beautifully. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a delightful finishing touch.

Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes

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If you’ve fallen in love with the warmth and flavor of homemade soup, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other delicious soup recipes perfect for any occasion. From light and savory broths to creamy and hearty stews, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Explore our other popular soup creations:

• Egg Drop Soup: A light, savory, and quick-to-make Asian-inspired soup with delicate ribbons of egg.
• Minestrone Soup: Another classic Italian vegetable and pasta soup, bursting with fresh flavors.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: The ultimate comforting remedy, packed with tender chicken, noodles, and vegetables.
• Italian Wedding Soup: Hearty meatballs, tender pasta, and fresh greens in a delicious broth – perfect for a celebration.
• Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup: A creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying soup, ideal for chilly evenings.
• Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup: A robust and flavorful soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, juicy tomatoes, and tiny orzo pasta.

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