Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat} is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. This hearty soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that warms your soul. Plus, it’s simple to prepare in your slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful Comfort: Packed with savory herbs and spices, this soup bursts with flavor in every spoonful.
- Healthy Ingredients: A lighter version that offers all the comfort without compromising your health goals.
- Versatile Options: Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using gluten-free pasta.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe; it allows you to set it and forget it while developing deep flavors.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables, ensuring efficiency and safety during prep.
- Knife: A good quality knife makes chopping quick and easy, which saves you time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (avocado or grapeseed oil work as well)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3/4 pound extra-lean ground turkey
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper chili flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 2 celery ribs (chopped)
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 2 medium zucchini (chopped)
Tomatoes & Beans
- 3 cups homemade or canned tomato sauce
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained, preferably fire roasted or Italian style)
- 1/2 cup homemade beef stock or good quality no-salt beef broth
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned kidney beans
- 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned Great Northern beans
Pasta & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup dry uncooked Ditalini pasta or other small pasta (use gluten-free or leave out entirely if preferred)
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (to taste)
- Water (as needed to thin out soup to desired consistency)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by chopping all your vegetables. This includes the onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini. Mince the garlic as well.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned turkey to your slow cooker. Add all chopped vegetables, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef stock, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, fennel seeds, kidney beans, Great Northern beans, Ditalini pasta, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and enough water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about 4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 2 hours instead.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once done cooking, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Stir in fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}
Serving Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that enhances the meal. This hearty soup is versatile and can be paired with various sides or toppings to elevate its flavors.
Toppings
- Fresh Basil – Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grate some fresh parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness (use vegan cheese if preferred).
- Croutons – Add store-bought or homemade croutons for a crunchy texture contrast.
Accompaniments
- Garlic Bread – Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping; it complements the soup perfectly.
- Salad – A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.
- Breadsticks – Enjoy with soft breadsticks; they are perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}
Perfecting Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is about attention to detail and enhancing flavors. Here are some tips to make your soup even better.
- Choose Quality Ingredients – Use fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; add more herbs or spices based on your preference.
- Cook Low and Slow – Allow the soup to simmer on low for maximum flavor development.
- Thicken Wisely – If you prefer a thicker soup, add more pasta or blend some of the beans before serving.
- Garnish Creatively – Don’t skimp on garnishes like parsley or chili flakes for added flair.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing provides a refreshing crunch.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the soup’s flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a filling addition to your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus make a colorful plate.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits with garlic and cheese add warmth and comfort.
- Roasted Potatoes – Herb-roasted potatoes provide a hearty side that pairs well with the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people love making Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup, but some common mistakes can hinder the final result. Here are tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
- Bold seasoning choices: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Bold ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can affect cooking time. Ensure all vegetables are chopped to similar sizes for even cooking.
- Bold pasta timing: Adding pasta too early can cause it to become mushy. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
- Bold liquid adjustments: Skipping on adding water can make the soup too thick. If necessary, add water gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Bold letting it rest: Not allowing the soup to sit after cooking can mean missing out on flavor development. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for enhanced taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.
Can I use different beans in Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite beans or add additional varieties for more texture and flavor.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether, as the soup is still hearty without it.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will provide a vibrant flavor. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried ones.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner option, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat} is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional Italian flavors with an easy, hands-off approach. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup combines lean turkey, savory herbs, and nutritious vegetables in a rich, tomato-based broth. Toss everything into your slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day. With its warm, inviting aroma and satisfying taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, it’s adaptable—feel free to customize it with your choice of veggies or pasta for a personal touch!
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3/4 pound extra-lean ground turkey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper chili flakes (optional)
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped
- 3 cups homemade or canned tomato sauce
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup homemade beef stock or no-salt beef broth
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned kidney beans
- 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned Great Northern beans
- 1/4 cup dry uncooked Ditalini pasta or other small pasta
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Water as needed to thin out soup to desired consistency
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by chopping onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, and mincing the garlic.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground turkey until cooked through.
- Transfer the turkey to a slow cooker and add all chopped vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt/pepper, pasta (if using), balsamic vinegar, and enough water for desired consistency.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, use homemade broth if available. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste preferences. This soup freezes well; consider making double batches for quick meals later.