Pasta Fagioli Soup

If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, filling, and easy-to-make soup that everyone will love, look no further than Pasta Fagioli Soup! This dish has become a staple in my household, making an appearance at least once a week for the past month. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser—so much so that I’ve been passing the recipe along to friends who can’t seem to stop making it either!

Filled with ground meat, beans, pasta, and a variety of vegetables, this soup is the perfect balance of hearty and flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a cozy gathering, Pasta Fagioli Soup is an easy and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, making meal prep a breeze.

In this blog post, I’m going to share the recipe with you and explain why this soup has become such a popular dish in my home and beyond.

1. Why Pasta Fagioli Soup is a Family Favorite

1. It’s Incredibly Hearty and Filling

There’s nothing better than a bowl of soup that keeps you full and satisfied. Pasta Fagioli Soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables, which makes it a well-rounded meal that can easily stand alone. The addition of ground meat, beans, and pasta makes it both hearty and filling, while the veggies add fresh flavor and texture.

Whether you’re having it for lunch or dinner, this soup provides all the nutrition you need while being satisfying enough to carry you through to your next meal.

2. Made with Simple Ingredients You Probably Already Have

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens. No special trips to the store required! With ground meat, canned beans, pasta, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, you can create a delicious meal with what you already have on hand.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time for elaborate cooking, yet you still want something that’s full of flavor and hearty enough to feed the whole family.

3. It’s Perfect for Sharing

As I mentioned earlier, this soup has become such a hit in my house that I’ve passed it along to several friends, and they’ve had the same issue—it never lasts long enough to take leftovers home! There’s something about the warm, savory broth, the tender vegetables, and the rich flavors that keep people coming back for more. Plus, it’s super easy to make a big batch, so it’s great for sharing with others.

2. How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup in the Slow Cooker

Now that you know why Pasta Fagioli Soup is such a hit, let’s dive into how to make it! This recipe is as simple as throwing everything into your slow cooker and letting it do the work. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)

1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed

1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or shells)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

3 medium carrots, diced

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat

Start by browning the ground beef (or turkey) in a skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and add the meat to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Beans

Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, along with the red kidney beans and white beans. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Next, pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices will infuse the broth with a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the hearty vegetables and beans.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the soup cook for 4-6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the pasta to the soup. Stir it in and allow the pasta to cook in the soup, absorbing all the rich flavors. Be sure to check on it occasionally and add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

3. Tips for Making the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup

1. Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to add more vegetables to your soup for extra nutrition and flavor. Zucchini, spinach, or green beans work well in this recipe and can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

2. Use Your Favorite Pasta

While small pasta shapes like ditalini are traditional, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand. Small shells or elbow macaroni are also great options. Just make sure to add the pasta toward the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

3. Make It Vegetarian

If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans or vegetables to make the soup even heartier.

4. Make It Ahead of Time

Pasta Fagioli Soup actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep. You can store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can make a big batch and have it on hand whenever you need a comforting meal.

4. Why This Soup is a Must-Try

1. Quick and Easy

This soup is incredibly easy to make, especially since it’s cooked in the slow cooker. It’s a no-fuss recipe that requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to go about your day while it simmers to perfection.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a meal for a busy week, or just need something comforting for yourself, Pasta Fagioli Soup is a perfect choice. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that everyone will enjoy.

3. Affordable and Nutritious

With simple, affordable ingredients like beans, pasta, and vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a healthy meal that won’t break the bank.

5. Final Thoughts: A Soup That Brings People Together

Pasta Fagioli Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting tradition that brings people together. With its hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and versatility, it’s no wonder this soup has become a weekly favorite in my household and among my friends. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or sharing it with guests, this soup is sure to be a hit every time.

So, the next time you need a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love, give this Pasta Fagioli Soup a try. You’ll have a warm, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, and your guests will be asking for the recipe too!

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