💥Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Lean Ground Meat (preferably 90% lean beef or turkey)
• 1 cup Onion (diced)
• 1 cup Bell Pepper (diced, any color)
• 5 cloves Garlic Cloves (crushed)
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 1 cup Celery (diced)
• 1 cup Carrots (diced)
• 1 tbsp Oregano (dried)
• 1 tbsp Basil (dried)
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2 15 oz can Petite Diced Tomatoes
• 1 small can Tomato Sauce (about 8 oz)
• 2 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 15 oz can Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15 oz can Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 Bay Leaf
• 1 cup Small Pasta (uncooked, such as ditalini or small shells)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, for garnish)
• 1 pinch Dried Chili Flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 slice Bread (toasted, for serving)

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Meat

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the lean ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

2. Add Aromatics and Vegetables

   To the browned meat, add the diced onion, bell pepper, crushed garlic, diced celery, and diced carrots. Stir and sauté for about 3‑4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium heat

3. Season the Base

   Stir in 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp oregano, 1 tbsp basil, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tbsp sugar. Cook for another 2 minutes to bloom the spices.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium heat

4. Add Tomatoes and Broth

   Pour in the two 15‑oz cans of petite diced tomatoes, the small can of tomato sauce, and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium heat

5. Incorporate Beans and Bay Leaf

   Add the drained cannellini beans, kidney beans, and two bay leaves. Reduce heat slightly, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: Low simmer

6. Cook Pasta Separately

   While the soup simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the small pasta and cook for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: Boiling

7. Finish the Soup

   Remove the bay leaves, then stir the cooked pasta into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the soup sit for 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb flavor.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Low heat

8. Plate and Garnish

   Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of dried chili flakes. Serve with toasted bread on the side.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

6 g