Pasta Fagioli Soup (Olive Garden Inspired)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy slow cooker preparation
Hearty and filling meal
Loaded with vegetables and beans
Great for meal prep
Freezer-friendly
Inspired by the popular Olive Garden classic
Ingredient :
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 carrots, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (32-ounce) carton chicken stock
1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup ditalini pasta
1 heaping tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 heaping teaspoon dried basil
Black pepper, to taste
Salt, if desired
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
When the beef is nearly done, stir in the garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add:
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Chicken stock
Italian seasoning
Basil
Black pepper
Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta
Reduce the slow cooker to LOW.
Add the drained Great Northern beans, kidney beans, and ditalini pasta.
Stir thoroughly.
Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Adding the pasta near the end prevents it from becoming mushy and helps maintain the perfect texture.
Use Fresh Vegetables
Fresh carrots, celery, and onions provide the best flavor and texture.
Make It Thicker
For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly or let the soup sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Add Extra Flavor
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs perfectly with:
Garlic bread
Breadsticks
Caesar salad
Italian salad
Crusty artisan bread
For an authentic restaurant-style experience, serve with warm breadsticks and a fresh green salad.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
For best results, freeze before adding the pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened during storage.