• Place pasta in one of the bags, press out air and seal. Set aside.
• Place parsley flakes, diced onion, oregano, basil, rosemary, garlic powder, pepper flakes, and black pepper in the second bag, press flat and seal, set aside.
• Layer beans in the quart jar, gently tapping between each layer to pack down. Layer in dehydrated vegetables.
• Place seasoning packet in the jar next, arranging so spices show in the front of the jar, especially if you are gifting the soup mix.
• Next, place the baggie containing your noodles in the jar.
• Seal the jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3-4 months.

Cooking Instructions for Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup Mix (with Beef)

• Ingredients Needed (in addition to jar mix):
• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken if preferred)
• 10 cups broth (beef or chicken works well)
• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes for smoother texture)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
• Salt to taste
• Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
• Step 1: Brown the Beef
• Remove pasta and seasoning packets from the jar. Set aside.
• In a large stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional).
• Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Step 2: Add Beans + Broth
• Add the beans and dehydrated vegetables from the jar to the pot with the beef.
• Pour in 10 cups broth and add the bay leaves.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer:
• If beans were pre-soaked → cook about 1–1.5 hours until tender.
• If not pre-soaked → simmer 2–2.5 hours, adding water as needed.
• Step 3: Add Seasonings + Tomatoes
• Stir in the seasoning packet from the jar.
• Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with liquid).
• Simmer an additional 20–30 minutes so flavors develop.
• Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately
• In a separate pot, cook the pasta packet until just al dente.
• Drain and stir into the soup just before serving (prevents mushy pasta).
• Step 5: Finish & Serve
• Remove bay leaves.
• Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, crushed red pepper if you want more heat).
• Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and maybe a side of crusty bread.
• ✅ Tips for Olive Garden Vibes
• Use beef broth for that restaurant-style richness.
• A splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar at the end brightens the flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or extra basil for color.