Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup

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Pasta Fagioli is a hearty, comforting Italian soup that’s packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a recipe that mirrors the popular version from Olive Garden or similar restaurants, here’s a Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe that’s rich and satisfying:

Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cook the Beef:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  1. Add Vegetables:
  • Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

  1. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
  1. Add Broth and Seasonings:
  • Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  1. Simmer:
  • Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  1. Cook Pasta:
  • Add the small pasta to the soup and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

  1. Add Greens (Optional):
  • If using spinach or kale, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. It will wilt quickly and add a nice touch of color and nutrition.
  1. Serve:
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of hot sauce to the soup.
  • Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or water if needed.
  • Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Enjoy your homemade Pasta Fagioli Soup, which brings the comforting taste of Italian dining right to your kitchen!

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