Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Recipe: A Taste of Italy at Home
Pasta e fagioli, a hearty Italian soup brimming with pasta and beans, is a comforting classic. While Olive Garden's version is beloved for its rich flavor and satisfying texture, you can easily recreate this culinary delight at home. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to achieving that signature Olive Garden taste, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and authentic meal without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients for Authentic Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
This recipe focuses on capturing the essence of Olive Garden's popular dish. Adjust ingredient quantities to suit your needs and preferences.
- Broth: 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option). The foundation of a great soup is rich, flavorful broth.
- Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained. Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. You can also use a mix of beans for added complexity.
- Pasta: 1 cup small pasta shapes, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni. Small pasta cooks faster and integrates well into the soup.
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped. The classic mirepoix adds depth and sweetness.
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat). These herbs and spices enhance the Italian flavors.
- Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Adds acidity and body to the soup.
- Finishing Touches: 2 tablespoons olive oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional, but highly recommended!). These elements elevate the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Own Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Follow these simple steps to achieve that irresistible Olive Garden taste at home:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of your soup.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Tomatoes
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Incorporate Beans and Broth
Add the cannellini beans and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, or until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. Don't overcook the pasta!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the pasta e fagioli into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Bowl of Pasta e Fagioli
- Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Creamier Texture: For an even creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
This recipe provides a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a taste of Olive Garden at home. Experiment with different beans, pasta shapes, and vegetables to customize the recipe to your liking. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Enjoy!
