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

Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat} is a delightful blend of flavors, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This hearty soup is not only easy to prepare in your slow cooker but also features wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a meal prep option for the week, this recipe stands out with its rich taste and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is loaded with protein and vegetables, making it a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Perfect for busy weekdays!
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or beans, making it adaptable to your taste.
• Healthy Copycat: Enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden’s classic dish without compromising on health, thanks to lean turkey and fresh produce.
• Great for Meal Prep: With 12 servings, this soup is ideal for batch cooking and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Chopping Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that melds flavors beautifully over time.
• Chopping Board: Essential for safely preparing your vegetables without mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping quicker and easier, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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Ingredients

For your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}, gather the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado or grapeseed oil)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3/4 pound extra-lean ground turkey
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 2 large carrots (chopped)
• 2 medium zucchini (chopped)

Canned Ingredients

• 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
• 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned kidney beans
• 1/2 cup cooked or drained & rinsed canned Great Northern beans

Seasonings and Pasta

• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 cup dry uncooked Ditalini pasta (or other small pasta; use gluten-free or omit if preferred)
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 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 chopping all your vegetables. This step ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add olive oil.
2. Once hot, add chopped onion and turkey.
3. Cook until turkey is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned turkey mixture into your slow cooker:
1. Add all chopped vegetables.
2. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and beans.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, bay leaf, fennel seeds, and uncooked pasta.

Step 4: Season and Cook

Season with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar:
1. Add enough water to achieve your desired consistency.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked:
1. Remove bay leaf before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli!

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

Serving Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: A few whole basil leaves can enhance the aromatic qualities of the soup.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread pairs perfectly, offering a satisfying crunch to complement the soup’s texture.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: Slices of crusty bread are ideal for dipping and soaking up the rich flavors.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory note; sprinkle it generously on each bowl before serving.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melting mozzarella on top creates a gooey, indulgent experience with every bite.

Served with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm soup.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Tossed greens with light dressing offer a refreshing counterbalance.

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

To ensure your Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup turns out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Selecting fresh vegetables and high-quality broth enhances the overall flavor profile of your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adding more herbs or spices can tailor the taste to your preference.
• Control Cooking Time: Cooking for too long can make veggies mushy; aim for the recommended time for perfect texture.
• Add Pasta Last: To avoid overcooking, add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an ideal al dente texture.
• Thicken as Needed: If your soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for extra time to reach your desired consistency.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stove when ready to enjoy again.

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 enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caprese Salad: This fresh salad combines tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, providing a refreshing contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition, making them a colorful side option.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a hearty complement to the soup.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
5. Crispy Flatbread: Light and crunchy flatbreads serve as an excellent base for scooping up soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with veggies provides protein while keeping things healthy and vibrant.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful touch that pairs well with savory flavors.
8. Zucchini Chips: Baked zucchini chips offer a healthy crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup’s warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is a delicious dish, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for when preparing it.

• Bold Ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to imbalanced flavors. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Bold Overcooking: Cooking too long can make the pasta mushy. Set a timer and check on the soup periodically to ensure perfect texture.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping on seasoning may result in bland soup. Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance flavors.
• Bold Skipping the Broth: Using water instead of broth can dilute flavor. Opt for a good-quality broth or stock for a rich taste.
• Bold Forgetting Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs at the end boosts flavor. Don’t skip this step; sprinkle them in just before serving for freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground beef is an excellent alternative and adds rich flavor to your soup.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it altogether if preferred.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden copy-cat}?

Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for later use.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile and easy to customize. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have or prefer. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone!