Crockpot Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of Italy in a simple, soul-soothing soup. This dish combines ditalini pasta, cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs to create a delightful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. What makes this recipe even more appealing is the ease of preparation; with minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of pasta and beans, especially when they simmer together to create a rich, flavorful broth. The blend of diced tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and Italian seasonings transforms your kitchen into a warm, inviting space. This dish not only warms your stomach but also brings a comforting sense of nostalgia, reminding you of family dinners or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to fit your dietary preferences and is perfect for meal prepping. It’s a recipe that can easily become a staple in your household, making busy weeknights a breeze.
Ingredients about Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
To whip up this delightful Crockpot Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that can be easily found at your local grocery store. Here is the list of ingredients with measurements:
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Directions
Creating this comforting dish is as easy as one, two, three! Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by dicing your onion, carrot, and celery. Mince your garlic as well. Taking the time to prepare your veggies will ensure that you have even pieces that cook at a similar rate.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the crockpot. Stir everything together to mix in the flavors.
- Add Canned Ingredients: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the drained cannellini beans. The tomatoes provide acidity and depth to the soup, while the beans add protein.
- Pour the Vegetable Broth: Next, pour in the 3 cups of vegetable broth. This will be the liquid base of your soup, so ensure it’s of good quality for the best flavor.
- Season: Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. These spices will elevate the dish and give it that classic Italian taste.
- Stir in the Pasta: Add your ditalini pasta to the crockpot. This small pasta shape is perfect for soup and will absorb the flavors as it cooks.
- Set Your Crockpot: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the best results, choose the low setting if you have the time, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Final Seasoning: Once the cooking time is up, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. This is your chance to enhance the flavor profile to your liking.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Serving this Crockpot Pasta Fagioli is a delightful experience in itself. As you ladle the warm soup into bowls, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. The rich flavors of the soup ensure that each bite is satisfying. You can also serve it with grated Parmesan cheese on top, which adds a creamy texture and depth of flavor. For a little extra kick, drizzle a bit of olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes over the top before serving. Enjoy gathering around the table, sharing stories, and savoring every spoonful of this comforting dish.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
To make sure your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: If you plan on keeping leftovers, keep in mind that pasta will continue to cook and can become mushy. You might want to add the pasta halfway through the cooking process instead of at the beginning if you anticipate leftovers.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to toss in other veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. This not only adds variety but also boosts the nutritional content.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs or add a bay leaf during cooking for additional flavor. Fresh herbs can be added at the end as well to brighten up the dish.
- Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes a generous amount, so it’s perfect for families or meal prep. If you are serving fewer people, feel free to halve the recipe, but ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How to Store Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Storing your leftover Crockpot Pasta Fagioli is an easy process. Once the soup has cooled, transfer it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. To thaw, simply leave the soup in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water, as the pasta may absorb some liquid during storage. This will keep your soup flavorful and prevent it from becoming too thick.
Variation of Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
This recipe serves as a wonderful base for creativity in the kitchen. You can swap the ditalini pasta for any pasta shape you prefer, like fusilli or penne. If you want a heartier meal, add some chopped kale or spinach during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. For a protein boost, you could include diced chicken or turkey breast that will cook up nicely in the slow cooker. If you prefer a meatless option, try adding lentils instead of pasta for a unique twist. The flavor possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize each batch to your family’s tastes.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Pasta Fagioli?
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup made with pasta, cannellini beans, vegetables, and Italian seasonings, all cooked together in a slow cooker for an easy meal.
Can I make Crockpot Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian, as it uses vegetable broth and beans for protein.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Pasta Fagioli?
Cooking time in a crockpot is approximately 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Pasta Fagioli?
Absolutely! Just ensure the soup is cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Pasta Fagioli?
You can serve it alongside crusty bread, a fresh salad, or sprinkle grated cheese on top for added flavor.
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth Use good quality for best flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the onion, carrot, and celery, and mince the garlic.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the crockpot and stir.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and drained cannellini beans.
- Pour in the vegetable broth.
- Stir in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper.
- Add the ditalini pasta to the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooking time is up, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
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