Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful is a delightful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends, this hearty soup combines the rich flavors of ground beef, vegetables, and beans with the comforting texture of pasta. It’s an easy one-pot meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes for a unique twist every time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week; it also freezes well for later use.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors make this a hit with all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-7 quart)
• Skillet
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Ideal for making hearty soups as it allows flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meat, which adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Chopping board & Knife: Essential for preparing your vegetables quickly and safely.

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Ingredients

This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful recipe includes a variety of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal.

For the Soup Base:

• 1 pound extra lean ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14-16 oz, with juice)
• 1 can kidney beans (14-15 oz, rinsed and drained)
• 1 can white beans (14-15 oz, rinsed and drained)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 jar tomato-basil marinara sauce (24-26 oz)

Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 3/4 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Finishing Touches:

• 1 1/4 cups dry pasta (fusilli, shells, or ditalini, cooked separately)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer it to a slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Add these vegetables to the slow cooker along with:
* Diced tomatoes with juice,
* Kidney beans,
* White beans,
* Beef broth,
* Marinara sauce.

Stir in oregano, hot pepper sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta

About 15–20 minutes before serving, cook the dry pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Stir the cooked pasta into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli!

How to Serve Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

There are many delightful ways to enjoy your Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli. This hearty soup is versatile enough to stand alone or be accompanied by various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These soft, buttery sticks are perfect for scooping up the soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Adding fresh parsley on top brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color.
• Basil Leaves: A few fresh basil leaves can enhance the Italian flair of this dish.

Paired with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an added layer of flavor and richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella can give a creamy texture that complements the soup well.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Perfecting your Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is easy with a few helpful tips. These simple adjustments can elevate your soup’s flavor and texture.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices. Taste during cooking and add more oregano or hot pepper sauce as needed.
• Use quality broth: A good-quality beef broth enhances the overall flavor. Opt for low-sodium options if you prefer controlling salt levels.
• Cook pasta separately: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker, allowing for better texture.
• Add vegetables wisely: Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great ideas to consider.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing balances the hearty soup perfectly.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and refreshing contrast.
3. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with garlic provide a flavorful side that complements the soup well.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables add a satisfying texture and flavor variety.
5. Risotto Balls: Crispy risotto balls make a delicious finger food option that pairs nicely with soups.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a comforting touch and can soak up the delicious broth perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these will ensure a delicious and comforting result.

• Skipping the Browning Step – Not browning the ground beef adds a lack of depth to the flavor. Always brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Ignoring Vegetable Preparation – Chopping vegetables too large can result in uneven cooking. Dice them finely for consistent tenderness throughout the soup.
• Overloading on Pasta – Adding too much pasta can lead to a thick, gummy texture. Stick to the recommended amount and add cooked pasta just before serving.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments – Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can leave your dish bland. Always sample before serving and tweak as necessary.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients – Cheap ingredients can affect taste. Opt for good-quality broth and fresh vegetables for the best flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Comfort in Every Spoonful

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop – Heat gently on medium-low, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli?

Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is a hearty soup made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and pasta. It’s perfect for cozy dinners.

How long does it take to cook this dish?

Cooking time is around 5-7 hours on LOW heat in your slow cooker, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.

Can I customize my Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or adjust spices based on your preferences for a personalized touch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well and is great for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions above.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli is not just comforting but also versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and enjoy every spoonful!