Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup: A Hearty Italian-Inspired Classic

Pasta Fagioli, often pronounced “pasta fazool”, is a beloved Italian soup that beautifully blends beans, pasta, vegetables, and a savory tomato broth. Popularized by Italian households and famously served at Olive Garden, this comforting dish is hearty enough to be a main course yet simple enough for a weekday dinner. Making a copycat version at home allows you to enjoy the same restaurant-quality taste while controlling the freshness of ingredients.

Below is a complete step-by-step guide to creating this cozy soup from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (15 oz) great northern beans or cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for lighter flavor)
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup small pasta (ditalini is traditional, but elbow or small shells work too)
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and northern beans. Mix well so the flavors begin to meld. Add the broth and seasonings—basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, uncovered. This allows the flavors to deepen and the broth to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.