Why You Should Make Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pasta Fagioli Soup is an Italian classic that has won the hearts (and taste buds) of many, especially in popular restaurants like Olive Garden. This hearty, flavorful dish is the perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. Making it at home allows you to enjoy all the comforting goodness while controlling the ingredients, making it healthier and even more delicious.
One of the best reasons to prepare this soup is its versatility. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a warm, satisfying dish for cold weather, this soup delivers every time. It’s loaded with tender beans, seasoned ground beef, and ditalini pasta, all simmered together with aromatic herbs and spices. The blend of basil, oregano, and garlic creates a deep, savory flavor that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Homemade Pasta Fagioli is also an excellent meal-prep option. It stores well in the refrigerator, and the flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier. You can customize the soup to your liking—swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or even make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping the meat.
Pair this soup with warm crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a comforting, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
This homemade Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup tastes just like the beloved Olive Garden classic! Packed with savory ground beef, tender beans, vegetables, pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth, this comforting Italian soup is perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the Beans & Broth: Stir in the kidney beans, Great Northern beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water.
4. Season the Soup: Add basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
6. Cook the Pasta: While the soup is simmering, cook the ditalini pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Combine: Stir the cooked pasta into the soup just before serving.
8. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations:
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the soup.
• Add more broth if the soup thickens too much after sitting.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup—it’s even better the next day! 🍲