Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli. The first time I tried it at the restaurant, it instantly reminded me of the soups my nonna used to make — thick, hearty, and full of love. That blend of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and beans simmering in a tomato-rich broth has everything I crave on a chilly evening.

When I recreated it in my slow cooker, I couldn’t believe how simple it was. The flavors come together perfectly without babysitting a pot on the stove. You just brown the meat, toss everything in, and let it work its magic for hours. By dinner time, your kitchen smells like an Italian trattoria — rich, savory, and inviting.

Ingredients + Step-by-Step Instructions

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli brings together simple pantry staples to create something truly comforting. The blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta simmering in tomato broth captures all the authentic flavors of Olive Garden’s classic soup — right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Lean ground beef or ground turkey	1 lb
Small onion, diced	1
Carrots, sliced	2
Celery stalks, chopped	2
Garlic cloves, minced	3
Red kidney beans, drained	1 (15 oz) can
Cannellini beans, drained	1 (15 oz) can
Diced tomatoes	1 (15 oz) can
Tomato sauce	1 (8 oz) can
Beef or vegetable broth	4 cups
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon
Dried basil	1 teaspoon
Thyme	½ teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste
Small pasta (ditalini or elbow)	1 cup
Fresh parsley & grated Parmesan (for topping)	As desired

Each ingredient brings depth and texture to this Italian-inspired soup, creating that cozy, restaurant-style flavor. For another hearty and flavorful option, try the Parmesan Tuscano Soup — it pairs perfectly with this one for a comforting soup night.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Instructions

Step 1 – Brown the Meat
In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.

Step 2 – Add the Vegetables and Base
Add carrots, celery, both types of beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth to the slow cooker. Stir in the Italian seasoning, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently to combine.

Step 3 – Let It Simmer
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 4 – Add Pasta
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the pasta. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender but not mushy.

Step 5 – Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

How to Get That True Olive Garden Flavor

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli lies in how customizable it is. To capture that signature Olive Garden flavor, use fresh herbs and a rich tomato base. A mix of beef broth and tomato sauce gives the soup its deep, savory foundation. If you want that restaurant-style finish, add a touch of butter right before serving — it adds a subtle richness that brings everything together.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a few beans with a spoon before serving. The starch naturally thickens the broth without needing cream. Want a vegetarian version? Skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead — the beans and pasta still make it hearty and satisfying.

For the best texture, always add the pasta near the end. It should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite, soaking up the tomato broth beautifully without getting mushy.

Flavor Variations to Try

1. Make It Spicy
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced Italian sausage for a little heat and smoky depth.

2. Add Greens
Stir in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

3. Swap the Beans
Mix and match different beans like navy or pinto beans for texture variety — it keeps the soup fun and colorful.

4. Make It Creamy
Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after cooking for a richer, creamier broth.

5. Pair It Right
Serve your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli with crusty garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or even a side of Parmesan Tuscano Soup for the ultimate Italian comfort meal.

6. Freeze for Later
This soup freezes beautifully! Cool it completely before freezing, then reheat gently on the stove or in the crockpot for a quick, hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli brings the warmth and flavor of Italian comfort food straight to your home kitchen. Each spoonful is hearty, rich, and full of love — a mix of tender pasta, vegetables, beans, and savory broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day in a Tuscan kitchen.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even reach for seconds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving family on a cool evening, this dish hits all the right notes — cozy, simple, and incredibly satisfying.

Top it with Parmesan, grab a slice of crusty bread, and enjoy that restaurant-quality flavor without ever leaving home. For another bowl of Italian-inspired comfort, check out the Parmesan Tuscano Soup — it’s a creamy companion that pairs beautifully with this hearty Pasta e Fagioli.

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If you enjoy rustic, Italian-style comfort dishes like this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll love the Moussaka Italienne from AideRecette — another hearty, oven-baked classic layered with Mediterranean flavor.