The Best Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Recipe Ever Made

Olive Garden slow cooker pasta fagioli brings hearty comfort right into your kitchen with minimal effort.

This classic italian-american soup promises rich, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out.

Robust ingredients mingle together, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes that remind you of cozy restaurant memories.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can produce restaurant-quality results without complex preparation.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of tender vegetables, savory proteins, and fragrant herbs that dance across your palate.

slow cooking allows flavors to develop deeply, infusing every ingredient with incredible depth and complexity.

The magic happens when humble components merge into something extraordinary, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Explore this soul-satisfying recipe that will become your new cold-weather favorite.

What to Pair with a Bowl of Pasta Fagioli

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a hearty Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the pasta fagioli. The wine's acidity cuts through the soup's richness while enhancing its rustic, comfort food profile.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy baguette or focaccia with garlic butter creates the perfect dipping companion. The bread's crisp texture and buttery flavor beautifully balance the soup's tender beans and pasta.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon provides a bright, zesty contrast to the soup's deep, savory notes. The salad's freshness helps cleanse the palate between hearty spoonfuls.
• Complement with Crisp Italian Pilsner: A cold, light Italian beer like Peroni offers a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's rich, meaty base. Its clean, crisp finish helps cut through the dish's robust flavors.

Pasta Fagioli Variations You Can Stir In

• Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor and hearty texture.
• Italian Sausage Spin: Swap ground beef with spicy Italian sausage links, removed from casings and browned. This adds deeper, more complex flavor and introduces a zesty kick to the traditional recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Enhancement: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil alongside oregano. Add a splash of red wine during cooking to elevate the depth and richness of the soup's overall profile.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Mix in diced green chiles, swap kidney beans for black beans, and increase hot pepper sauce. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a southwestern-inspired transformation of the classic Italian soup.

All the FAQs for Pasta Fagioli Slow Cooker Edition

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or remove it entirely, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

• How long can I store Pasta Fagioli in the refrigerator?

Store the soup in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

• Can I freeze Pasta Fagioli?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. However, add fresh pasta when reheating to prevent soggy noodles.

• What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can make this recipe in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.

Olive Garden’s Pasta Fagioli—Slow Cooker Style

• Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, rich soup that simmers all day with minimal effort, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
• Combines protein-rich ground beef, fiber-loaded beans, and colorful vegetables into a balanced meal that delivers maximum flavor and nutrition in every spoonful.
• Recreate the beloved Olive Garden classic in your own kitchen, saving money while enjoying a restaurant-inspired dish that tastes even better than the original.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekend gatherings, this adaptable recipe satisfies all ages and can be easily customized with extra spices or toppings.

What You’ll Need for Pasta Fagioli at Home

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base for the soup, adds rich flavor and substance.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup mirepoix that provides depth and aromatic foundation, fresh and crisp vegetables recommended.

• Kidney Beans, White Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and nutritional value, canned beans work best for convenience.

• Beef Broth, Marinara Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Creates robust liquid foundation, provides layers of savory flavor and moisture.

• Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Hot Pepper Sauce: Enhances overall taste profile, adds warmth and complexity to the soup.

• Dry Pasta: Provides substantial texture and makes the soup more filling, choose short pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.

• Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Optional finishing touches that add fresh herbs and salty complexity, brightens the dish's appearance and taste.

Instructions for Set-It-and-Forget-It Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until it turns golden and crumbly. Drain away extra fat. Transfer the beef to a 6-7 quart slow cooker.

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Add these chopped vegetables to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Liquid And Seasonings

• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Kidney beans
• White beans
• Beef broth
• Marinara sauce

• Oregano
• Hot pepper sauce (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 3: Slow Cook The Soup

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 5-7 hours. Wait until vegetables become tender and soft.

Step 4: Prepare The Pasta

About 20 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately while hot.

Expert Tips for Olive Garden Style Soup

• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef thoroughly before adding to slow cooker to develop deeper, richer taste and enhance overall soup complexity.
• Veggie Prep Perfection: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Pasta Timing Trick: Add pasta just before serving to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente texture, keeping noodles from becoming mushy.
• Seasoning Secret: Taste and adjust seasonings near the end of cooking, allowing flavors to meld together while maintaining fresh, vibrant notes.
• Customize with Confidence: Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme, or swap beans for different protein variations to make the recipe uniquely yours.

Reheating & Storing Pasta Fagioli Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta fagioli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s slow cooker pasta fagioli warms hearts with hearty Italian comfort. Simmering ground beef, beans, and vegetables create a rich, soul-satisfying soup you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound extra lean ground beef (browned and drained)
• 4 cups beef broth

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14–16 ounces, with juice)
• 1 can kidney beans (14–15 ounces, rinsed and drained)
• 1 can white beans (14–15 ounces, rinsed and drained)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 jar tomato-basil marinara sauce (24–26 ounces)
• 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
• ¾ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¼ cups dry pasta (fusilli, shells, or ditalini, cooked separately)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining any excess fat. Transfer the meat into a spacious slow cooker.
2. Dice onions, carrots, and celery with precision, incorporating them directly into the slow cooker alongside the seasoned meat.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, white beans, savory beef broth, and rich marinara sauce. Sprinkle oregano, introduce a hint of hot pepper sauce, and season with salt and black pepper. Thoroughly blend all ingredients.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer on LOW temperature for 5-7 hours, ensuring vegetables become tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
5. Approximately 20 minutes before serving, prepare pasta separately according to package guidelines. Drain pasta completely and set aside.
6. Gently fold cooked pasta into the hearty soup, ensuring even distribution. Taste and refine seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
7. Ladle the aromatic soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve piping hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Prep time is crucial: Brown beef thoroughly to develop rich flavor and drain excess fat for a healthier dish.
• Bean selection matters: Use fresh, well-drained kidney and white beans for authentic texture and protein boost.
• Slow cooking magic: Extended cooking time allows vegetables to soften and ingredients to blend deliciously.
• Pasta timing is key: Add pasta near the end to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Flexibility friendly: Customize heat levels with optional hot pepper sauce and adjust seasonings to personal taste.
• Storage smart: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to preserve soup’s integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg