Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is a must-try for any soup lover! This comforting dish brings together a flavorful broth, tender beans, and hearty vegetables in a convenient slow cooker format. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this soup delivers all the satisfying taste of the original without the hassle. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just brown the beef and toss everything into the slow cooker; it does all the work for you!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a deep, savory flavor that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping; it fits any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup offers a nutritious boost without sacrificing taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup perfectly, you’ll need a few essential tools that simplify your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing its flavor.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup:

For the Meat and Beans

• 1 pound ground beef
• 15 oz can cannellini beans
• 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans

For the Vegetables

• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots cubed
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 cloves garlic chopped

For the Broth and Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 32 oz beef broth
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

For Seasoning

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add in the crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves.

Step 4: Mix in Vegetables

Next, add the chopped onion, cubed carrots, and chopped celery to your slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Beans

Drain both cans of beans and add them into the mixture.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Carefully pour over the beef broth to combine all ingredients.

Step 7: Stir Everything Together

Gently stir everything until well mixed.

Step 8: Cook on Low or High

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

Step 9: Add Ditalini Pasta

After cooking time is finished, remove the lid and stir in ditalini pasta.

Step 10: Final Cooking Phase

Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 11: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your delicious Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Serving Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is simple and enjoyable. You can elevate the experience with some thoughtful pairings and garnishes to enhance the flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Add a sprinkle of cheese for a rich, savory flavor that complements the broth.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic bread: The perfect accompaniment, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that balances the soup’s heartiness.
• Baguette slices: Serve warm baguette slices for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Enhance with a Side Salad

• Caesar salad: A classic choice, Caesar salad brings crisp greens and creamy dressing that pairs well with the soup.
• Caprese salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light and refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread infused with garlic butter—perfect for dipping!
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms stuffed with herbs and cheese bring extra flavor to the table.
4. Italian Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds freshness.
5. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with melted cheese offer a satisfying bite alongside your soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.

Enjoy preparing and serving this delightful dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step – Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown the meat first to enhance its taste.
• Ignoring vegetable size – Cutting vegetables too large can result in uneven cooking. Chop them into uniform pieces for consistent texture.
• Adding pasta too early – If you add the ditalini pasta at the start, it may become mushy. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add it.
• Overlooking seasoning adjustments – Every ingredient may vary in flavor strength. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Not using enough broth – A soupy dish needs enough liquid. Ensure you pour in sufficient beef broth for a rich and satisfying soup.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Properly stored, it lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until heated to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup that can help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still provide a delicious flavor profile.

How do I customize my Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or kale for extra nutrition. Additionally, try varying the beans according to your preference.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Slow Cooker Soup is not only comforting but also versatile and easy to prepare. With options to customize ingredients, you can make it truly your own. Try this delightful recipe today!