Olive Garden-Inspired Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli: Hearty, Flavorful, and So Easy!

This Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is a cozy, Italian-inspired soup packed with pasta, beans, and veggies. It’s perfect for chilly days and tastes just like Olive Garden’s famous version!

📋 Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced 🧅
  • 2 carrots, diced 🥕
  • 2 celery stalks, diced 🥬
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes 🍅
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 🍅
  • 4 cups beef broth 🍲
  • 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed 🫘
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • 1 cup ditalini or small pasta 🍝
  • Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan (for garnish) 🌿🧀

📝 Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat:
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
  1. Combine Ingredients:
  • Add diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, white beans, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
  1. Cook the Soup:
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours.
  1. Add Pasta:
  • About 30 minutes before serving, add the ditalini pasta to the slow cooker. Let it cook until tender.
  1. Serve:
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

🍽️ Tips:

  • For al dente pasta: Cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving.
  • For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the soup during cooking.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High
🍽️ Servings: 6-8 servings

This Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is rich, hearty, and perfect for a comforting meal at home! 🍲🍝