Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Warm, savory, and comforting, the Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Packed with hearty ingredients, this soup captures the essence of traditional Italian flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This slow cooker recipe requires minimal effort. Simply add your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, vegetables, and beans creates a savory depth that will warm your heart.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is both delicious and wholesome.
• Flexible Serving Size: With 12 servings per recipe, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite beans or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The key to effortless cooking; it allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients without making a mess.
• Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta al dente before adding it to the soup.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Warm, savory soup with hearty lean and vegetarian protein!

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups water
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can northern beans

For Flavoring

• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 cup apple juice

For Serving

• 8 oz ditalini pasta
• salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and chop your vegetables. Browning the ground beef beforehand enhances its flavor.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place all ingredients except pasta into the slow cooker:
* Add browned ground beef, diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes, kidney beans, northern beans, oregano, basil, thyme, and apple juice.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Allow to cook on low for 6–8 hours. This slow cooking time allows all flavors to combine wonderfully.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately

About 15 minutes before serving:
1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir gently and allow everything to heat through for an additional 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve hot as a comforting meal that brings everyone together!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that warms the soul. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance its flavors and textures.

Classic Bowl

• Serve a generous bowl of soup topped with freshly grated cheese for added richness.

Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping and extra texture.

Fresh Salad

• A side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the savory flavors of the soup beautifully.

Grated Parmesan

• Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to elevate the taste.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic finish and vibrant color.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the perfect bowl of Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, consider these handy tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup even more delicious.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your personal preference.

• Cook pasta separately: Cooking ditalini pasta on the stovetop ensures it stays al dente and prevents overcooking in the slow cooker.

• Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for a unique twist on texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter is perfect for dipping into the soup.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing complements the hearty soup well.

3. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a refreshing bite.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables add a colorful side that’s filling and nutritious.

5. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the soup.

6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese and garlic make an irresistible accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli to the next level.

• Using uncooked pasta: Always cook the pasta separately until al dente before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents overcooked, mushy pasta.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not seasoning enough: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs. Seasoning is key for a rich flavor.
• Overloading with ingredients: Stick to the recipe’s recommended ingredients. Adding too many can alter the texture and taste of your soup.
• Neglecting to stir occasionally: Occasionally stirring helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the soup. Make sure to do this during cooking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
• Label each container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker.

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

What can I serve with my Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is not only warm and comforting but also versatile. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion—give it a try today!