Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}

Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat} is a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or meal prepping for the week. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this soup not only satisfies cravings but also nourishes the body with wholesome ingredients. The best part? It’s easy to make in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy the process without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set this dish and forget it while it cooks.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Versatile Options: Easily make it gluten-free by substituting pasta or omitting it entirely based on your preferences.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a depth of flavor that will impress your family and friends.
• Large Batch: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Chef’s knife
• Chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over several hours.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, which is essential for prep time.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of soup without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (avocado or grapeseed oil work as well)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3/4 pound extra-lean ground turkey
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper chili flakes (optional)

For Vegetables

• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 2 large carrots (chopped)
• 2 medium zucchini (chopped)

For the Sauce

• 3 cups homemade or canned tomato sauce
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained (preferably fire roasted or Italian style))
• 1/2 cup homemade beef stock or good quality no-salt beef broth

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For Beans & Pasta

• 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned kidney beans
• 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned Great Northern beans
• 1/4 cup dry uncooked Ditalini pasta or other small pasta (use gluten-free or leave out entirely if preferred)

Finishing Touches

• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (to taste)
• Water (as needed to thin out soup to desired consistency)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your vegetables. Chop the onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté Ground Turkey

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add ground turkey. Cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic and chili flakes for an additional minute before transferring everything to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Sauce

Add chopped onions, celery, carrots, zucchini, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef stock into the slow cooker with the turkey mixture.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in dried Italian seasoning, bay leaf, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Include Beans and Pasta

Add kidney beans and Great Northern beans into the mix. If you’re using pasta, add it now too.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 4 hours or high heat for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once cooking is complete, taste your soup. Adjust seasoning with balsamic vinegar and water as needed for desired consistency.

Enjoy your heartwarming bowl of Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}

Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the stomach. Serving it right can enhance its flavors and make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of the soup.

Add a Side Salad

• A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty soup nicely and adds a refreshing crunch.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing each bowl with fresh parsley adds a burst of color and enhances the flavor profile of the soup.

Sprinkle with Parmesan

• For those who enjoy cheese, a sprinkle of grated cheese can provide an extra layer of richness.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Presenting in individual bowls makes for an inviting table setting, allowing guests to help themselves.

Enjoy with Garlic Breadsticks

• Garlic breadsticks are a classic pairing that adds an irresistible flavor and texture to your meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible.

• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to modify the level of dried red pepper chili flakes or Italian seasoning based on your spice preference.

• Simmer longer for deeper flavors: If time allows, let the soup simmer longer than recommended; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Choose high-quality broth: Using homemade or premium-quality beef broth elevates the overall taste of the soup significantly.

• Check pasta doneness: Add pasta towards the end of cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.

• Taste before serving: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as necessary for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing provides a delightful contrast to the warm soup.

3. Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing complement to the hearty dish.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers add protein and make for a satisfying side option alongside your soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings added nutrition and flavor balance.

6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese works well as a filling side that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s flavors.

7. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of marinated vegetables, olives, and cheese offers variety and great tastes alongside your meal.

8. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches provide comfort food vibes perfect for dipping into your flavorful soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a delicious soup.

• Bold measurement errors: Not measuring ingredients correctly can lead to an imbalanced flavor. Always use precise measurements for items like spices and liquids.

• Bold overcooking meat: Cooking the ground turkey for too long before adding it to the slow cooker can make it dry. Brown it just enough to seal in flavors, then combine with other ingredients.

• Bold neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed, especially with salt and pepper.

• Bold skipping the broth: Using only water instead of broth can diminish flavor. Opt for a good quality homemade beef stock or low-sodium broth for better taste.

• Bold ignoring ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can result in uneven cooking. Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for consistent cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.

• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.

• Stovetop: Transfer soup to a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use different beans in this Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}?

Yes! You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely. Ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free as well.

Can I add more vegetables to this Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}?

This soup pairs well with a crisp salad or crusty bread for dipping.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is not only hearty but also versatile. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste. This healthy copycat recipe brings Olive Garden’s warmth right to your kitchen, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week!