Pasta Fagioli is a comforting Italian-American soup loaded with hearty ingredients like beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. This slow cooker version captures the essence of the Olive Garden classic while making it easy to prepare. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is a wholesome option for family dinners or meal prep.
This dish pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, offering a balance of textures and flavors. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you up on chilly days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Slow Cooker Convenience: Minimal hands-on cooking makes it ideal for busy days.
• Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables.
• Customizable: Adjust spices and pasta types to suit your taste.
Ingredients
• 1 pound extra lean ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14–16 oz) with juice
• 1 can kidney beans (14–15 oz), rinsed and drained
• 1 can white beans (14–15 oz), rinsed and drained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 jar tomato-basil marinara sauce (24–26 oz)
• 1½ tsp oregano
• ¾ tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1¼ cups dry pasta (fusilli, shells, or ditalini), cooked separately
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked beef to a 6-7 quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Base Ingredients
1. Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Add them to the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, and marinara sauce.
3. Stir in oregano, hot pepper sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
Step 3: Slow Cook
1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
1. About 15–20 minutes before the soup is done, cook the dry pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 5: Combine and Adjust Seasoning
1. Stir the cooked pasta into the soup in the slow cooker.
2. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce, if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.
2. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or salad.
Tips
• Meat Options: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit the ground beef for a vegetarian-friendly soup.
• Pasta Precaution: Cook pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy in the soup.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and store the pasta separately. Combine just before serving.
Storage Options
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate for best results.
• Freezer: Freeze the soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat. Cook fresh pasta before serving.
This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is a rich, hearty soup that’s easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors. It’s a family favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
