Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup – A Hearty One-Pot Italian Classic

If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden or a cozy Italian trattoria, chances are you’ve come across a steamy bowl of Pasta Fagioli—a rustic, soul-warming soup made with pasta, beans, ground meat, and vegetables in a savory tomato broth. This Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup brings that beloved restaurant favorite straight to your home kitchen—with the same bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting goodness, all in one easy pot.

It’s filling, affordable, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Plus, it's ready in under an hour, making it a practical go-to for busy nights.

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What Is Pasta Fagioli?

Pronounced “pasta fazool” (especially in the U.S. thanks to Southern Italian dialects), this dish translates to “pasta and beans.” It’s a classic peasant dish with humble origins—designed to stretch simple pantry ingredients into something truly satisfying.

Our copycat version mirrors the flavors of the popular Olive Garden version: hearty, tomato-rich broth, tender ditalini pasta, savory ground beef, and plenty of beans and vegetables. It’s Italian comfort food at its best.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• ✅ Affordable ingredients – Pantry staples and ground meat make this budget-friendly.

• ✅ Meal prep friendly – Makes a big batch and tastes even better the next day.

• ✅ Customizable – Swap beans, veggies, or even make it vegetarian!

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or elbow macaroni)

• Optional toppings: grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, crusty bread

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, and seasonings (oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper). Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Once the soup is simmering, add in the ditalini pasta. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan and parsley. Serve with warm, crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta – It continues to soak up broth as it sits, so cook just until al dente.

• Making ahead? Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid mushiness.

• Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of beef.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth—still incredibly satisfying!

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Serving Suggestions

• A slice of garlic bread or warm ciabatta is the perfect pairing.

• Add a simple green salad with Italian dressing to round out the meal.

• Top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for restaurant-quality flavor.

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Conclusion

This Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is everything you want in a one-pot comfort meal: rich, filling, flavorful, and endlessly cozy. Whether you’re trying to recreate your favorite restaurant experience at home or just want a hearty soup that feeds the whole family, this recipe checks every box. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out—and keeps you coming back for seconds.