Pasta e Fagioli (Olive Garden Copycat)

It is filling enough for dinner but simple enough for an everyday family meal. Serve each bowl hot with Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for a complete comfort-food dinner.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: About 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, cut into small cubes
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional

Method

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
2. Drain:
   Remove the cooked beef from the pot. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
3. Cook the vegetables:
   Add the carrots, onion, and celery to the same pot. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
4. Add garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Add tomatoes:
   Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and stir everything together.
6. Add beans and broth:
   Stir in the Great Northern beans and kidney beans. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
7. Simmer:
   Cook uncovered for approximately 10 minutes so the vegetables become tender and the flavors begin to develop.
8. Cook the pasta:
   Add the ditalini pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for about 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
9. Finish:
   Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a little extra broth.
10. Serve:
    Ladle the Pasta e Fagioli into bowls and finish with chopped fresh basil or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for the Best Pasta e Fagioli

• Cut the carrots, celery, and onion into small, similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the soup.
• Do not overcook the ditalini because it continues absorbing broth as the soup rests.
• Add additional chicken broth when reheating leftovers if the soup has become too thick.
• Freshly grated Parmesan makes an excellent finishing touch.

Make-Ahead Tip

If you plan to prepare this soup ahead of time, cook the ditalini separately and refrigerate it in its own container. Add the cooked pasta to individual bowls when serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming overly soft.

Storage

Let leftover Pasta e Fagioli cool before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The pasta will absorb some liquid while refrigerated, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.

Freezing

For the best texture, freeze the soup without the pasta. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze. Cook fresh ditalini separately when you are ready to serve the soup.

How to Reheat

Warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to restore the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with warm garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, breadsticks, or a fresh green salad. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil adds extra flavor just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pasta e Fagioli mean?

Pasta e Fagioli translates to “pasta and beans.” There are many regional and family variations, ranging from thick, rustic preparations to more broth-based versions.

What pasta works best?

Ditalini is an excellent choice because its small shape fits naturally with the beans and vegetables. Small elbows or another short soup pasta can also be substituted.

Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes. Beef broth will create a slightly deeper, richer flavor, while chicken broth keeps the soup somewhat lighter.

Can I make it without ground beef?

Yes. Leave out the beef and use vegetable broth for a meat-free variation. You can add additional beans or vegetables to keep the soup hearty.

A Hearty Family Dinner

Pasta e Fagioli is the kind of comforting one-pot meal that works especially well on cooler evenings. With tender vegetables, savory beef, creamy beans, tomatoes, and pasta in every spoonful, it delivers plenty of flavor without complicated preparation.