Hearty and satisfying, the Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this Italian classic combines tender pasta with nutritious beans in a savory broth. With its simple preparation and heartwarming qualities, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Flavorful & Nutritious: Packed with beans, vegetables, and herbs, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or changing up the pasta type.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This soup warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for cold days or casual gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. These items will help streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors develop over hours while you focus on other tasks.
- Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quick and easy, ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
For Vegetables
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In your slow cooker, combine olive oil with diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and sliced celery. Sauté these vegetables until they become translucent and tender—about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Beans and Broth
Next, incorporate kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. This slow simmer allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
In the last hour of cooking time, gently introduce your chosen pasta into the soup. If you notice that the liquid has reduced too much during cooking, feel free to add extra broth. Continue cooking until the pasta reaches an al dente consistency.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once cooked to perfection, ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for an aromatic touch. Enjoy immediately for maximum flavor!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe
Serving your hearty slow cooker pasta e fagioli soup is as delightful as making it. This warm and comforting dish can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and presentation.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth, adding texture and flavor to each bite.
Top with Grated Cheese
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese adds a savory finish that complements the soup’s earthy flavors.
Add a Side Salad
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup, balancing out the meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of freshness.
Serve in Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible dish that soaks up the delicious broth.
Offer Chili Flakes on the Side
- Providing chili flakes allows guests to customize their heat level, bringing an extra kick to this hearty soup.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe
To ensure your slow cooker pasta e fagioli soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor profile of your soup, making it more vibrant.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup towards the end of cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference for optimal flavor.
- Add Pasta at the Right Time: Incorporating pasta during the last hour prevents overcooking and ensures it stays al dente.
- Experiment with Broth: Using homemade vegetable broth can add depth to your soup compared to store-bought options.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers for better preservation.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe
Complement your slow cooker pasta e fagioli soup with these delicious side dishes. Each pairing enhances the overall meal experience.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of flavorful broth.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad brings together tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a light yet satisfying side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional nutrients and pair beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft garlic knots topped with cheese are delightful bites that complement the hearty nature of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers add protein and color, making your meal even more satisfying.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses makes for a great appetizer before diving into your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe can be easy to prepare, but there are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of for the best results.
- Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic first can dull the flavors. Always cook these aromatics until they’re soft to enhance the soup’s taste.
- Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. It’s best to add it in the last hour of cooking for perfect al dente texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout cooking for optimal flavor.
- Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can impact the overall taste of your soup. Opt for a good quality vegetable broth for a richer flavor profile.
- Ignoring ingredient prep: Not prepping your vegetables evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Dice them uniformly for consistent tenderness in every bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for about 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish, covered, until hot.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring often.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe.
Can I use different beans in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other beans like black beans or great northern beans according to your taste preference.
How do I make Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe more filling?
You can add additional vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, or include cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein and heartiness.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni are ideal as they blend well with the soup’s texture.
Can I make Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already plant-based as long as you ensure that all ingredients used, including broth, are vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that embodies Italian warmth and simplicity. It’s versatile and allows for customization based on what you have available. Try adding seasonal veggies or different types of beans—it’s sure to become a favorite!
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup
Indulge in the warmth and flavor of this Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe, a comforting Italian classic that’s effortlessly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this wholesome soup combines tender pasta with nutritious beans, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection in a savory broth. The combination of rich flavors and hearty textures makes it an ultimate comfort dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s versatile—easily adapt it by adding your favorite veggies or opting for different pasta types. Make a big batch for meal prep or freeze it for later; either way, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.
- Total Time: 13 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can kidney beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1 can cannellini beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces), undrained
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine olive oil with chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and sliced celery. Sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- During the last hour of cooking, add the small pasta; if liquid reduces too much, add extra broth as needed. Cook until pasta is al dente.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor impact. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving. Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach.