Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a beloved choice for families. With ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmering together, every spoonful delivers comfort and satisfaction. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in your slow cooker—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This dish combines protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a complete meal that will keep you satisfied.
• Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, dinner can be ready with little effort.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with spices and fresh veggies, this soup bursts with flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for blending flavors over hours without constant supervision.
• Skillet: Useful for browning the ground beef evenly before combining with other ingredients.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

This Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting soup inspired by Olive Garden’s classic dish. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound extra lean ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 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)

Seasonings

• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 3/4 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

• 1 1/4 cups dry pasta (fusilli, shells, or ditalini, cooked separately)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat before transferring it to a 6-7 quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Add them to the slow cooker along with the browned beef.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes with juice, kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, and marinara sauce to the slow cooker. Stir in oregano, hot pepper sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

About 15-20 minutes before serving, cook the dry pasta according to package instructions. Drain it once cooked.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Stir the cooked pasta into the soup. Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

This hearty recipe makes around six servings—perfect for sharing! Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness any time you crave something warm and satisfying.

How to Serve Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Serving this hearty soup is all about enhancing its comforting qualities. Here are some delightful ways to serve Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli that will impress your family and friends.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Pair with Bread

• Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the delicious broth.

Cheese It Up

• Consider offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor.

Create a Soup Bar

• Lay out toppings like diced onions, hot pepper sauce, and croutons for guests to customize their bowls.

Serve with Salad

• A simple mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.

Enjoy with Wine Alternatives

• Offer sparkling water infused with lemon or a non-alcoholic fruit punch as refreshing drink options alongside the meal.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Perfecting this comforting dish can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to ensure your Pasta Fagioli turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, so opt for the freshest produce available.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste as you go; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent soggy pasta in your soup, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Freeze Leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze them in individual portions for quick meals later.
• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans based on what you have on hand; chickpeas or black beans can add unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Pairing sides with your slow cooker soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty side dishes that complement Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli beautifully.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks are perfect for dipping into your hearty soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing and croutons adds a crunchy contrast.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite alongside the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a healthy side that pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and veggies make a filling addition to your meal.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful balance to the savory soup’s richness.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates an enticing starter before enjoying the main dish.
8. Simple Green Beans: Steamed green beans seasoned with lemon and olive oil add brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Always cook the meat until browned before adding it to the slow cooker for maximum depth of flavor.
• Using canned vegetables: While convenient, canned vegetables can alter the texture and taste of your dish. Fresh or frozen vegetables retain their nutrients and provide better flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient has its own level of saltiness. Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed for optimal flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker can lead to mushiness. Cook it separately and add it in just before serving for the best texture.
• Storing leftovers improperly: Failing to store leftovers correctly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours after cooking.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh herbs or cheese can make your dish feel incomplete. A sprinkle of parsley or a dash of grated cheese elevates both presentation and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until heated through, which should take about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli.

What is Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli?

Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is a hearty soup made with ground beef, beans, pasta, and vegetables. It’s inspired by the classic dish served at Olive Garden restaurants.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes! You can swap ground beef for turkey or lamb and vary the vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe is versatile!

How do I ensure my soup isn’t too salty?

Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings gradually. Remember that ingredients like broth may already contain salt.

How long does it take to cook this dish?

The total time from start to finish is approximately 7 hours including prep time and cooking on low in a slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is not just comforting; it’s also incredibly versatile. With many customization options available, you can easily adapt it to fit your preferences. Give this hearty dish a try for your next family dinner!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately six people. 1x

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Description

Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavors and heartiness in every spoonful. This flavorful soup combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta for a satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can let this delicious dish simmer to perfection while you take care of other tasks. Whether you’re serving it to your family or enjoying it as leftovers, each bowl promises warmth and satisfaction. Best of all, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spice levels.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound extra lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14–16 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans (14–15 oz)
• 1 can white beans (14–15 oz)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 jar tomato-basil marinara sauce (24–26 oz)
• 1 1/4 cups dry pasta (cooked separately)

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer to a slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker with the browned beef.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, and marinara sauce. Season with oregano, hot pepper sauce (if desired), salt, and black pepper.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours or until vegetables are tender.
5. About 15-20 minutes before serving, cook the dry pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
6. Mix the cooked pasta into the soup just before serving, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg