Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli (A Delicious and Nutritious Meal for Busy Days)

Personally, I love Italian food. The flavors are always rich, and the meals are usually filling, making them ideal for my family’s needs.

One of our go-to dishes is pasta fagioli, a hearty and flavorful soup made with beans, vegetables, and pasta.

But making this meal on a busy day can be a challenge.

That’s why I turned to my slow cooker to make the process much more manageable.

With minimal prep and cooking time, slow cooker pasta fagioli is a lifesaver for those days when you don’t have the energy or time to cook.

In this blog post, I will share my recipe for slow cooker pasta fagioli and provide tips for customizing it to your liking.

Creating the Perfect Slow-Cooker Pasta Fagioli with These Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make slow-cooker pasta fagioli.

Don’t worry; it’s a fairly simple list, and you might already have most of these items in your pantry.

For this recipe, you will need:

Ground beef or turkey

Minced meat on butcher paper. Fresh ground beef on wood background. Close up

Personally, I prefer using lean ground turkey for a healthier twist but feel free to use ground beef if you prefer the traditional flavor.

Onion, garlic, and celery

a photo of onions, garlic and celery on a wooden table

These aromatic vegetables are the base of flavor for many Italian dishes, and pasta fagioli is no exception. They add a delightful depth to the soup.

Carrots

Carrots cut sliced ​​carrots on peels

Adding some carrots not only brings a pop of color but also contributes to the overall nutritional value of the dish. Plus, they add a hint of natural sweetness.

Kidney beans and cannellini beans

Boiled white kidney beans in a ceramic bowl on white background. Top view.

These beans are the heart and soul of pasta fagioli, providing a creamy texture and a good dose of protein and fiber.

Diced tomatoes

Diced tomato in bowl on white background

Opt for canned diced tomatoes for convenience and a burst of tangy tomato flavor.

Tomato sauce

Fresh tomato sauce on bowl and spoon on white marble table. Top view

Tomato sauce adds richness and helps to thicken the soup. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce according to your preference.

Chicken or vegetable broth

Cropped shot of pouring soup in bowl using ladle. Serving chicken broth in soup bowl over kitchen counter.

Broth serves as the base of the soup, infusing it with savory goodness. Choose chicken broth for a heartier flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

Italian seasoning and bay leaves

3 spoons of thyme, basil and oregano spices in a white background

A combination of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, along with a couple of bay leaves, gives pasta fagioli its distinctive Italian flair.

Pasta

raw elbow macaroni in enamel bowl on dark cement table background.

To complete the dish, you’ll need a pasta variety that holds up well in soups.

Ditalini or elbow macaroni are popular choices, as they add a pleasant chewiness to each spoonful.

These ingredients work together harmoniously to create a satisfying and flavorful slow cooker pasta fagioli.

Now that we have the ingredients sorted, let’s move on to the preparation steps.

Get Your Slow Cooker Ready (Preparation Tips for Pasta Fagioli)

Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli (A Delicious and Nutritious Meal for Busy Days)

Recipe by Teal NotesCourse: Lifestyle, Recipes
Servings

6-8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

300-350

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1/2 cup ditalini or small pasta of your choice

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery.
    Sauté them until they turn fragrant and start to soften, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes.
  • Give them a good stir and cook them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
    The carrots will add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Transfer the cooked ground beef or turkey, sautéed vegetables, kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and broth into the slow cooker.
    Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
  • To infuse the soup with Italian flavors, add the Italian seasoning and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
  • About an hour before the cooking time is up, stir in the pasta of your choice.
    This will allow the pasta to cook until al dente, absorbing the flavors of the soup without becoming mushy. Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, your slow cooker pasta fagioli is ready to be enjoyed.
a table full of ingredients pasta elbow macaroni, tomatoes, spices, basil leaf, milk, lime, herbs and spices

Preparing slow-cooker pasta fagioli is a breeze, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day.

  1. Browning the ground beef or turkey: Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat.

    Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step adds a depth of flavor to the soup.

    For example, I always choose lean ground turkey because it’s a healthier option.

    It works beautifully in this recipe, providing a lean protein source without compromising on taste.
  2. Sautéing the onions, garlic, and celery: In the same skillet, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery.

    Sauté them until they turn fragrant and start to soften, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes.

    This process releases their flavors and brings a wonderful aroma to the soup. Personally, I love the smell of sautéed onions and garlic.

    It instantly makes my kitchen feel cozy and inviting. The combination of these aromatic ingredients with the celery creates a fantastic flavor base for the soup.
  3. Adding carrots and cooking until tender: Once the onions, garlic, and celery are softened, it’s time to add the carrots.

    Give them a good stir and cook them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

    The carrots will add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.

    For example, I love how the natural sweetness of the carrots balances out the savory and tangy flavors of the other ingredients.

    Plus, the bright orange color adds visual appeal to the dish.
  4. Combining beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth: Now, it’s time to bring all the flavors together.

    Transfer the cooked ground beef or turkey, sautéed vegetables, kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and broth into the slow cooker.

    Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

    I find that using a combination of kidney beans and cannellini beans creates a delightful contrast in texture.

    The kidney beans hold their shape, while the cannellini beans become soft and creamy, making each spoonful of the soup a delightful experience.
  5. Seasoning with Italian seasoning and bay leaves: To infuse the soup with Italian flavors, add the Italian seasoning and bay leaves to the slow cooker.

    These herbs and spices will impart a fragrant aroma and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

    Personally, I love the combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme in Italian seasoning.

    It adds a beautiful herbal note that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  6. Setting the slow cooker and cooking time: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

    This slow and gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a rich and comforting soup.

    Using a slow cooker is a game-changer when it comes to meal preparation. It does all the work for you while you go about your day.

    By the time you return home, your kitchen will be filled with the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal.
  7. Adding pasta in the final hour of cooking: About an hour before the cooking time is up, stir in the pasta of your choice.

    This will allow the pasta to cook until al dente, absorbing the flavors of the soup without becoming mushy.

    Be sure to follow the package instructions for the cooking time of the pasta you’re using.

    For example, I usually opt for ditalini pasta because its small tube shape is perfect for spooning up with the beans and vegetables.

    It adds a delightful texture and makes each bite satisfying.

    Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, your slow cooker pasta fagioli is ready to be enjoyed.

    The rich aroma filling your kitchen will whet your appetite, and the flavorful combination of beans, vegetables, and pasta will warm your soul.

    In the next section, we’ll explore some serving suggestions and variations to customize this recipe according to your taste preferences. Stay tuned!

Creative Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli

a photo of Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli in a white plate

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve patiently waited for your slow cooker pasta fagioli to finish cooking and fill your home with enticing aromas, it’s time to serve it up and savor every spoonful.

Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of each serving to add a burst of freshness and a touch of vibrant color.

    The herbs not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the flavors of the dish.
  2. Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful nuttiness and richness to the soup.

    The cheese melts slightly from the warmth of the soup, creating a creamy and indulgent experience with each bite.
  3. Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve your slow cooker pasta fagioli with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.

    The crusty texture and garlic-infused buttery goodness pair exceptionally well with the comforting flavors of the soup.

    Use the bread to soak up every last bit of the flavorful broth.

Variations

While slow cooker pasta fagioli is already a delicious and satisfying dish on its own, feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences.

Here are a few variations to consider:

  1. Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef or turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

    The beans, vegetables, and pasta will still provide plenty of heartiness and flavor.
  2. Adding Spinach or Kale: For an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale leaves to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

    They will wilt and incorporate beautifully, adding vibrant color and valuable nutrients.
  3. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

    Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance and desired level of spiciness.

Feel free to experiment with these variations and make slow cooker pasta fagioli your own signature dish.

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With our carefully curated plan, you’ll be equipped with a variety of delicious recipes, including slow cooker pasta fagioli, that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.

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Make your weeknight dinners a joyous and effortless experience.

With slow cooker pasta fagioli and our meal prep plan by your side, you’ll be able to navigate even the busiest of days with ease and still enjoy a nourishing home-cooked meal.

Here’s to many more delightful culinary adventures and stress-free weeknight dinners ahead!

Remember, a delicious and satisfying meal is just a slow cooker away.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between pasta fagioli and pasta fazool?

To sum it up, pasta e fagioli feels more like a vegetable and bean soup.

Whereas the Italian American pasta fazool created by southern Italian immigrants features a “broth” that’s more like a marinara sauce (made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion, and seasonings), along with ample helpings of white beans

Is pasta fagioli the same as minestrone?

Pasta fagioli and minestrone are both Italian soups with similar flavors that make use of whatever vegetables you have on hand.

The main difference is the beans in the pasta fagioli—they’re often blended or mashed, which results in a thicker soup than minestrone, which is traditionally very brothy.

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