This Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup brings the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine to your table with minimal effort. The combination of tender pasta, hearty beans, and fresh vegetables creates a rich, soul-warming bowl of soup. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that will make you feel right at home.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy evening on your own, or as part of your meal prep for the week, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a deeply flavorful broth and perfectly tender vegetables. It’s simple, yet full of robust flavors, making it a go-to recipe for any time of year.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 (8 ounce) package uncooked ditalini pasta
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, white beans, cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
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About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked ditalini pasta to the soup. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until the pasta is tender, about 30 minutes.
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Ladle soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 to 8 hours (or 3 to 4 hours on high) | Total Time: 7 to 8 hours
Kcal: 235 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup
Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup is a beloved, hearty dish that combines the best of Italian flavors in a comforting, easy-to-make meal. This soup is a true reflection of Italian home cooking, with its rustic ingredients, long-simmered flavors, and deep, savory profile. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—combining pasta, beans, vegetables, and seasonings to create a rich, soul-warming soup that’s perfect for any time of the year. By using a slow cooker, you can let the ingredients meld together over hours, infusing the soup with deep, satisfying flavors while requiring very little active cooking time. This makes it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty, nutritious meal without the hassle.
The Origins of Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli, which literally translates to “pasta and beans,” is an Italian classic that has been around for centuries. Like many traditional Italian dishes, its exact origin is debated. Some believe it hails from the northern regions of Italy, while others claim it is more common in central and southern areas. Regardless of its exact birthplace, Pasta Fagioli is loved throughout the entire country and beyond, often varying slightly depending on regional ingredients and preferences. Historically, Pasta Fagioli was considered a peasant dish, as beans were an inexpensive and plentiful ingredient that could be paired with simple pasta to create a filling, nourishing meal. Over time, this humble dish has evolved and gained popularity worldwide, with many different variations incorporating meats, herbs, and vegetables, while staying true to its origins as a comforting, bean-based dish.
Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup
One of the major benefits of Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup is its nutritional value. Beans are a primary ingredient in this dish and are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Beans such as cannellini, kidney, and white beans, commonly used in Pasta Fagioli, are rich in fiber, which helps regulate digestion, supports heart health, and keeps you feeling full for longer periods of time. The added vegetables—onions, carrots, celery, and spinach—offer a boost of vitamins like vitamin A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. These nutrients contribute to overall health, support the immune system, and provide antioxidant benefits.
Furthermore, the dish is low in fat and can be made even healthier by using a leaner broth or opting for vegetarian or vegan versions. The slow cooking process also allows for the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, satisfying soup that is both filling and nutritious. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hearty meal that won’t compromise on health.
Slow Cooker Benefits
One of the key aspects of this recipe is the use of a slow cooker. Slow cookers are a game-changer for anyone with a busy schedule or those who want to enjoy home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker for this soup ensures that the flavors of the beans, vegetables, and spices develop slowly and thoroughly, making the soup incredibly flavorful. Slow cooking also allows for the beans to become tender and the broth to thicken, which results in a comforting, rich texture.
Additionally, slow cookers are incredibly convenient. You can simply add your ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and return to a ready-made meal in the evening. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who want to enjoy a home-cooked dinner but don’t have the time to cook throughout the day. The convenience of slow cooking makes this soup ideal for busy families, individuals on the go, or anyone who appreciates a set-it-and-forget-it approach to meal preparation.
Customization and Variations
One of the reasons Pasta Fagioli is so beloved is its versatility. There are endless ways to customize this soup to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a heartier, meat-based version, you can add ground beef, sausage, or pancetta. These meats can be browned and added to the slow cooker along with the vegetables, adding additional richness and flavor to the dish.
For a vegetarian or vegan variation, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also enhance the flavor profile by adding extra herbs like fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also give the soup an extra layer of flavor, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a kick.
If you prefer a more textured soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot to create a thicker consistency, or add extra pasta for a heartier meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, making it a perfect option for both traditional and experimental cooks.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup is a satisfying dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast. A slice of warm, crusty Italian bread is another classic accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
For a more indulgent meal, you can serve the soup alongside some garlic bread or a savory cheesy breadstick. The soup’s flavor and texture are complemented by the crunchy, garlicky bread, making it the perfect comfort food combination.
If you’re serving this soup for a crowd, consider preparing it as part of a larger Italian-themed meal. It works well as a starter or main dish and can be paired with other Italian classics like lasagna, risotto, or a simple caprese salad.
Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers
One of the great things about Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup is that it only gets better with time. The flavors continue to develop as the soup sits, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers. You can store any extra soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy it for multiple meals throughout the week.
For longer storage, this soup can be frozen. Simply let the soup cool to room temperature, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The pasta may absorb some of the broth during storage, so you may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple, nutritious ingredients with the convenience of slow cooking. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to warm you up on a cold day, a dish to serve to your family, or a recipe that you can make ahead for easy weeknight dinners, this soup fits the bill. It’s versatile, easy to make, and absolutely delicious, offering a perfect balance of savory, rich flavors with the added benefits of beans and vegetables. It’s no wonder this dish has become a staple in Italian cuisine and is loved by so many around the world. With its wholesome ingredients and customizable nature, it’s a recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a must-try for anyone looking to create a flavorful, nourishing meal at home.