Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

Warm and comforting, this Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli is the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly day. This Italian soup comes together easily with the help of your slow cooker and is packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a comforting dish to warm up with, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s simple, satisfying, and ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, tomatoes, and beans creates a hearty taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete dinner.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Makes Plenty: With 10 servings, it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making meal preparation incredibly easy.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, enhancing flavors.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 slices Turkey Bacon (cooked, drained, and finely sliced)
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (thinly sliced)
• ¾ cup celery (diced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ tsp black pepper
• 4 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

For the Liquid Components

• 2 (15 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 6 cups water

For the Pasta Addition

• 1 (16 oz) box of ditalini pasta (uncooked)

For Serving

• 1 cup Parmesan Reggiano

How to Make Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Turkey Bacon until crispy. Drain it well and slice it into small pieces before adding it to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to your slow cooker:
– Diced onions
– Sliced carrots
– Diced celery
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Minced garlic
– Dried thyme
– Dried basil
– Dried parsley
– Tomato paste
– Crushed tomatoes
– Cannellini beans
– Chicken broth
– Water

Stir everything until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook Your Soup

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or set it to high for 4–5 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta Before Serving

Thirty minutes before serving time, add the uncooked ditalini pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve hot in bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan Reggiano cheese on top before enjoying this delightful Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli!

How to Serve Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, these suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

With Fresh Basil

• Adding fresh basil on top enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color to your dish.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

Topped with Grated Cheese

• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan Reggiano or mozzarella cheese on top adds richness and creaminess to each bowl.

Side Salad

• Pairing with a light side salad brings balance to the meal. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar works well.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the Pasta Fagioli in a bread bowl. This not only looks appealing but also adds extra flavor.

With Garlic Toast

• Crisp garlic toast complements the soup nicely and provides an extra crunch with each bite.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

To ensure your Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor of your soup, making it taste more vibrant.

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or herbs according to your personal taste preferences.

• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for the recommended time allows flavors to meld beautifully. Avoid rushing the process for best results.

• Add Pasta Later: To prevent overcooking, add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This keeps it al dente.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli is filling on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Crispy and buttery garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy contrast and make for a nutritious side dish.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables offer another comforting option alongside the soup.

5. Caprese Salad
   A fresh Caprese salad made with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella brightens up your meal with its refreshing flavors.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with diced veggies is nutritious and pairs well with the savory soup flavors.

7. Antipasto Platter
   An antipasto platter filled with olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses makes an excellent starter before diving into your main dish.

8. Polenta Fries
   Crispy polenta fries provide a unique twist that melds perfectly with the comforting nature of Pasta Fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcrowding the Crock Pot: Adding too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Not seasoning enough: Skipping or skimping on spices can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can impact texture. Follow the recommended time guidelines for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• Adding pasta too early: Adding pasta at the beginning can lead to mushiness. Wait until 30 minutes before serving to add it in.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth greatly affects flavor. Use a low-sodium, high-quality chicken broth for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli?

Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and spices cooked slowly in a crock pot.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting turkey bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I customize my Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or use various types of pasta based on your preference.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli is not only warm and comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or changing up the pasta type. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, so give it a try and experience its delicious flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 10 1x

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Description

Warm and comforting, this Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli is the ultimate Italian soup to enjoy on a chilly day. With its rich combination of tender beans, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this slow-cooked dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker—simply add your ingredients and let the magic happen. Each bowl is a warm hug, filled with goodness that will delight everyone at the table. Plus, it makes plenty, ensuring there are leftovers for those busy days ahead!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (thinly sliced)
• ¾ cup celery (diced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ tsp black pepper
• 4 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 (15 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 6 cups water
• 1 (16 oz) box of ditalini pasta (uncooked)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Drain and slice into small pieces.
2. Add turkey bacon, diced onions, sliced carrots, diced celery, salt, pepper, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, dried parsley, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, chicken broth, and water to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
4. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in uncooked ditalini pasta.
5. Serve hot in bowls topped with grated Parmesan Reggiano.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7–8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 16mg