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Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
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This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a warm, comforting Italian-inspired soup filled with tender Great Northern beans, al dente ditalini pasta, and savory herbs in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers authentic Olive Garden flavors with minimal effort, ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Pasta

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Broth and Seasonings

  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (for vegetarian version)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil and oregano (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spicy variation
  • Cooked Italian sausage or diced chicken for protein boost
  • Chopped kale, spinach, or Swiss chard (added near end)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Drain and rinse the Great Northern beans to reduce excess sodium. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion finely, and mince the garlic to ensure an even distribution of flavors in every spoonful.
  2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Add the rinsed beans, diced tomatoes, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and broth into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and start blending the flavors.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and cook the soup for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process deepens the flavors and tenderizes the vegetables without making them mushy.
  4. Add Pasta and Finish Cooking: About 30-40 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta directly into the slow cooker to ensure it remains perfectly al dente and does not overcook.
  5. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt or pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for an authentic finish.

Notes

  • Rinse canned beans well to reduce salt and starchiness for a cleaner taste.
  • Add pasta late in the cooking process to maintain perfect texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the soup more effectively than dried alone.
  • If the soup seems too thin, mash some beans against the slow cooker sides and stir to thicken naturally.
  • Sprinkling Parmesan cheese adds a depth of umami and a slight salty finish that enhances flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Slow Cooker Soup, Olive Garden Copycat, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Bean Soup, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free Option

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/slow-cooker-olive-garden-pasta-e-fagioli/