Cozy Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot

If you’re craving a warm, hearty bowl that’s as comforting as a hug on a chilly day, this Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot is about to become your new favorite. This Italian classic combines tender pasta, hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and rich broth all simmered slowly to meld those irresistible flavors together effortlessly. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe brings all the cozy vibes without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Convenience: Set it and forget it—your Crock-Pot does all the work for a stress-free meal.
• Rich, Authentic Flavor: Slow cooking enhances the depth of flavors just like Olive Garden’s signature soup.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with beans and veggies, it’s a wholesome option to warm your soul and fuel your day.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or casual gathering, this soup hits the spot every time.
• Customizable Comfort: Easy to adjust with different ingredients for your favorite taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot, simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully to create a satisfying and colorful dish. Each item plays a key role—from the earthy beans to the tender pasta and the bright, fresh herbs that finish the soup perfectly.

• Cannelini Beans: These tender white beans add creamy texture and protein for heartiness.
• Vegetable Broth: The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together with rich umami.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bring a burst of acidity and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
• Small Pasta (Ditalini or Elbow): Perfect bite-sized pasta that swells perfectly without getting mushy.
• Carrots and Celery: Classic aromatics that add sweetness and subtle crunch.
• Onion and Garlic: The foundation of flavor for any great Italian recipe.
• Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that deliver that signature Olive Garden taste.
• Spinach or Kale (Optional): Add greens for color and a boost of nutrients in the final minutes of cooking.
• Olive Oil: Enhances richness and adds a silky finish.

Variations for Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Customize freely to keep the cozy vibes without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Boost: Add Italian sausage or ground beef for a meatier version.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free pasta or omit altogether for a chickpea pasta alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
• Vegan Delight: Stick to vegetable broth and skip the cheese garnish for a fully vegan bowl.
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.

How to Make Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by chopping onions, carrots, celery, and garlic finely. Sautéing these in olive oil for a few minutes on the stove before adding them to the Crock-Pot builds a richer flavor base.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crock-Pot

Add the sautéed vegetables, drained and rinsed cannelini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning into your Crock-Pot. Stir everything together well for even flavor distribution.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Set your Crock-Pot to low heat and cook the soup for 6 to 8 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully while giving the beans maximum tenderness.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Greens

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your pasta and spinach or kale (if using). This timing ensures the pasta cooks perfectly without turning mushy and the greens stay vibrant.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed before serving hot. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Pro Tips for Making Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot

• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
• Beans Variety: Use dried beans soaked overnight for a thicker, creamier texture.
• Pasta Timing: Always add pasta late to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
• Layer Flavors: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the olive oil before adding broth for deeper aroma.
• Watch Salt Levels: Broths vary in saltiness, so season gradually to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot

Garnishes

Top your bowl with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to brighten the dish and add depth.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every delicious drop of this hearty soup for a meal that satisfies every craving.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a family-style dinner by ladling the soup into individual bread bowls, or garnish each bowl with a small basil leaf for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more over time.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just leave out the pasta before freezing and add fresh pasta when reheating to maintain the perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much, and stir in fresh greens or pasta if desired.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried ones?

Absolutely! Canned beans make this recipe faster to prepare—just drain and rinse them well before adding to the Crock-Pot.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they mix well with the soup without overpowering it.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Use vegetable broth and omit any cheese toppings or substitute with vegan cheese for a delicious plant-based version.

How thick should the soup be?

Pasta e fagioli is traditionally a thick, stew-like soup but still scoopable; adjust broth quantity to your preferred consistency.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Definitely! Adding cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or pancetta enhances the flavor and makes the soup even more filling.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock-Pot is the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. With minimal effort and wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a warm, flavorful meal any day of the week. So grab your Crock-Pot, gather the ingredients, and dive into this cozy bowl of Italian goodness that feels like a hug from the inside out.

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