Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Introduction

Olive Garden’s Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting Italian soup that combines tender pasta, beans, vegetables, and ground beef in a savory, flavorful broth. Known for its rich taste and satisfying texture, this soup has become a favorite among many Olive Garden lovers. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—using easy-to-find ingredients and a slow cooker, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right at home.

This Pasta Fagioli recipe offers the perfect balance of warmth and flavor, making it an ideal meal for chilly evenings or as a satisfying lunch. With minimal prep time, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without any hassle. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli

• Rich, Hearty Flavor: The combination of vegetables, beans, ground beef, and pasta in a savory broth creates a well-rounded and flavorful soup that’s both filling and comforting.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it does all the work for you. Simply add the ingredients, set it, and let it cook while you go about your day. The result is a deeply flavorful soup with minimal effort.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It can easily be stored for later and makes a perfect lunch or dinner option for the following days.
• Customizable: While this recipe is based on the classic Olive Garden version, it’s versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, including using different types of beans, pasta, or vegetables.
• Comforting and Filling: With its combination of hearty beans, pasta, and savory broth, this dish is filling enough to serve as a complete meal. Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad for a perfect meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-7 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 9-12g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 14-16g
• Fiber: 6-7g
• Sugar: 4-5g

Ingredients

For the Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for a different flavor)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups spinach (optional, for added color and nutrition)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Special Equipment

While making Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli doesn’t require specialized equipment, a few kitchen tools will make the process easier and ensure that your soup turns out perfectly:

1. Slow Cooker: The most essential piece of equipment for this recipe is a slow cooker. It allows the flavors to develop slowly and evenly while you go about your day. A 5-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
2. Large Skillet: A skillet is needed to brown the ground beef (or sausage) before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds a depth of flavor and helps eliminate excess grease.
3. Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board will make prep work quicker and safer.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for getting the seasoning just right. Use measuring spoons for the herbs and salt, and measuring cups for the liquids and pasta.
5. Can Opener: You’ll need a can opener to open the cans of beans, diced tomatoes, and broth.
6. Ladle or Serving Spoon: A large ladle or serving spoon will help portion out the soup when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly crumbled. Once the meat is fully browned, drain any excess fat and transfer it to the slow cooker. This step is important for developing flavor and ensuring that the beef is fully cooked before it simmers in the broth.

2. Add the Vegetables and Beans

To the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and both types of beans (kidney beans and great northern beans). The vegetables add texture and depth to the soup, while the beans provide protein and fiber. Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the slow cooker for even cooking.

3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the slow cooker. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients and ensure that the seasonings are well distributed. These herbs and spices are key for achieving that classic Italian flavor in your soup.

4. Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The long, slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. If you’re in a rush, the high setting will speed up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.

5. Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. The pasta will cook right in the broth, absorbing all the rich flavors. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. If you prefer a heartier texture, you can add a little extra pasta, but be mindful not to add too much, as the pasta will absorb the broth and thicken the soup.

6. Finish and Serve

Once the pasta is tender and fully cooked, stir in the spinach (if using) and allow it to wilt into the soup. This step adds a touch of color and nutrition to your soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Ladle the Pasta Fagioli into bowls, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli

• Use Lean Ground Beef or Sausage: To keep the soup from becoming too greasy, use lean ground beef or turkey. You can also substitute Italian sausage for an added burst of flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or even tofu.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta. Add it in about 30 minutes before serving to ensure it’s cooked to al dente texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and may soak up too much broth.
• Adjust the Broth: If the soup becomes too thick after adding the pasta, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Pasta can absorb a lot of liquid, so it’s important to monitor the soup’s thickness.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh herbs, they can elevate the flavor of the soup even further. Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme can be used in place of dried herbs for a more vibrant taste.
• Cook on Low for Best Flavor: Cooking the soup on low for 6 hours allows the flavors to develop fully. However, if you’re short on time, the high setting works just fine as well.

Variations of Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli

• Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli: Skip the ground beef or sausage and load the soup with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Spicy Pasta Fagioli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the soup for a little heat. This variation adds a nice kick and pairs well with the richness of the broth.
• Add Other Beans: In addition to kidney and great northern beans, you can experiment with other types of beans, like black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans, for different textures and flavors.
• Cheese-Stuffed Pasta: For a twist, try adding cheese-filled pasta like tortellini or ravioli instead of traditional ditalini or elbow macaroni. This will add extra creaminess and flavor to the soup.

Storage and Shelf Life

Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as the soup sits, making it an excellent dish for leftovers. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze Pasta Fagioli. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen soup can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove, adding more broth if necessary.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli

• Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to dip into the savory broth.
• Side Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, and Italian dressing pairs perfectly with this hearty soup for a well-rounded meal.
• Cheese: Grate some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the soup for extra flavor. You can also serve it on the side for guests to sprinkle on themselves.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pairing the soup with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower, makes for a healthy and delicious side dish.

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Conclusion

Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or preparing it for a crowd, this soup is sure to impress. With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a slow cooker that does most of the work, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to serve in no time. Enjoy this flavorful, classic Italian soup with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!