Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot tastes even better than the restaurant version. This delightful soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Packed with wholesome ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and savory ground beef, this hearty dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can whip up this flavorful meal in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot allows you to prepare this flavorful soup in just 25 minutes.
• Flavorful Comfort: Every bowl is filled with rich flavors from robust seasonings and fresh ingredients.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from beans and lean meat, this recipe offers a wholesome meal option.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side, this soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty soup that’s great for all palates.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking times while enhancing flavors through pressure cooking.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for safely preparing your vegetables and meat.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your flavors are balanced perfectly.

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Ingredients

To create your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:

Proteins and Beans

• 1 pound Italian Ground Beef Sausage (mild or spicy)
• 15 oz Great Northern Beans (drained & rinsed)
• 15 oz Kidney Beans (drained & rinsed)

Vegetables and Sauces

• 1 cup onion (roughly chopped)
• 1.5 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup carrot (roughly cubed)
• 3/4 cup celery (roughly chopped)
• 14 oz Diced Tomatoes (with juices)
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (diluted in about 4 tbsp water)

Seasonings and Liquids

• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp oregano (dried)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (dried)
• 1.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 6 cups chicken stock

Pasta and Garnishes

• 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (or small elbow/shell pasta)
• Parsley (fresh flat leaf, chopped)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling)

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

Set the Instant Pot on SAUTE & set it on HIGH heat. Add olive oil. When hot, add the ground beef sausage. Sauté until nicely browned, stirring frequently with a spatula.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the meat is browned, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables

Add the cubed carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Stir well and sauté for another minute.

Step 4: De-glaze the Pot

Pour in the chicken stock while scraping the sides and bottom of the pot with a spatula to de-glaze it thoroughly. This prevents burning.

Step 5: Mix in Seasonings

Add paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together well.

Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add diced tomatoes (with juices), rinsed beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste mixture, and pasta. Mix everything well in the pot.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Cancel the SAUTE function. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, seal the valve, and set it to PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for just 4 minutes.

Step 8: Quick Release Pressure

Once done cooking, perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve from SEALING to VENTING position. Carefully open the lid after all steam has escaped.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Your flavorful Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli is ready! Serve immediately for best texture before pasta becomes overly soft.

Step 10: Garnish

Garnish bowls with fresh parsley, crushed black pepper, grated parmesan cheese if desired, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before enjoying!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. This hearty soup is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Crushed Black Pepper: Add a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra kick.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
• Salad: A light green salad balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
• Cheese Toasts: Melt cheese on toasted bread for a deliciously cheesy addition.

Serving Style

• Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls for a more formal dining experience.
• Family-Style: Place the pot on the table and let everyone serve themselves for a casual gathering.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

To make your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli even better, consider these tips. They will help ensure your soup is flavorful and well-prepared.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
• Cook Al Dente: Add pasta towards the end to prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of stock; add more if you like it thinner.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference for the perfect heat balance.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

Pair your Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli with these fantastic side dishes to create a complete meal. Each option complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Easy to prepare by spreading garlic butter on slices and baking until golden brown.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds crunch and zest.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer a colorful contrast.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing bite.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil provide natural sweetness and texture.
6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes for a comforting side dish that pairs nicely with soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the De-glazing Step: Not scraping the bottom of the pot can lead to the BURN error. Always de-glaze after sautéing to ensure all flavors meld properly.

• Overcooking the Pasta: If you let the pasta sit too long in the soup after cooking, it can become mushy. Serve immediately after pressure cooking for the best texture.

• Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using low-quality canned tomatoes or beans can affect flavor. Choose high-quality ingredients for a richer taste.

• Not Adjusting Seasonings: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper before serving to ensure your soup is perfectly seasoned.

• Using Incorrect Pasta Type: While Ditalini pasta is traditional, using other small pasta shapes can alter cooking times. Stick with recommended pasta for best results.

• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens flavors significantly. Don’t skip this step for a vibrant finish!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option while keeping similar flavors.

How do I make it vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

What if I don’t have Ditalini pasta?

You can use small elbow or shell pasta as alternatives, but adjust cooking times according to package instructions.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Instant Pot is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to fit your taste preferences. This hearty soup is perfect for any day and is sure to warm your soul. Try it today!