A hearty and comforting Italian soup featuring pasta, creamy white beans, and savory vegetables in a rich broth. This copycat recipe mimics the popular Pasta e Fagioli from Olive Garden.
Author:dalgado ramsy
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp)
3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup water, then more as desired
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup dry ditalini pasta
1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese, for serving
3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, beef broth, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken upon standing; add a little broth or water when reheating.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth.