Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Get ready to cozy up with a steaming bowl of Crockpot Pasta Fagioli, the Italian-American classic that’s loaded with hearty beans, tender veggies, and perfectly seasoned broth. This slow-cooked beauty brings all-day comfort to your kitchen, marrying rich flavors with that irresistible, toothsome texture of ditalini pasta. Whether you’re feeding family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something genuinely soul-warming, Crockpot Pasta Fagioli is the kind of dish that feels like a hug—beloved for its simplicity and incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It never ceases to amaze me how simple ingredients come together to create such depth in Crockpot Pasta Fagioli. Each item plays a special role, from adding savory undertones to building a hearty, rustic base that sticks to your ribs. Don’t skip or skimp—every component here tells part of the story.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savory richness and quality protein for a satisfying soup. Choose sausage for more herbs and spice!
- Onion: Diced onion supplies subtle sweetness and an aromatic foundation that infuses the whole pot.
- Carrots: These add natural sweetness, color, and a pleasant bite for contrast in texture.
- Celery: Lends a touch of earthiness and rounds out the classic soup soffritto trio.
- Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic add depth and brightness that wake up the entire dish.
- Crushed tomatoes: This big can brings body and tang, giving the soup its signature rich red hue.
- Diced tomatoes: Use these for extra texture and that pop of juicy tomato flavor throughout.
- Red kidney beans: Their creamy inside and sturdy skin hold up beautifully in long, slow cooking.
- Cannellini beans: These mellow, buttery beans complement the kidney beans and soak in all that flavor.
- Beef broth: Adds umami and depth that tie together the meat, tomatoes, and vegetables.
- Dried basil: Sprinkles in classic Italian herb undertones you’ll taste with every spoonful.
- Dried oregano: Oregano enhances the aroma and brings a Mediterranean warmth.
- Thyme: Just the smallest amount imparts subtle woodsy notes that make the broth sing.
- Rosemary: Earthy and aromatic, rosemary gives the soup its rustic Italian character.
- Bay leaf: Essential for developing those deep, layered flavors you want from a long-simmered soup.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy—seasoning is everything for hearty, soul-warming flavor.
- Ditalini pasta: The iconic small tubes hold onto the broth and beans perfectly in every bite.
- Fresh parsley: Stir in right at the end for color and freshness that lifts the whole pot.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty finish your bowl craves. Don’t forget this topping for a touch of decadence!
How to Make Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. This step locks in flavor, so don’t rush it! Once everything is cooked through, drain off any excess fat—this keeps the soup from getting greasy and ensures a clean, hearty taste. Transfer the browned meat straight into your crockpot, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables, Beans, and Liquids
Now comes the easy part: pile on the diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and beef broth into your crockpot along with the meat. Sprinkle in the basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and be generous with the salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir. You’ll notice the medley already smells amazing, but just wait until those flavors meld as they simmer together.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Place the lid on your crockpot and let the magic happen! Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow, gentle heat is what lets all those flavors deepen, making Crockpot Pasta Fagioli truly irresistible. By the time the timer dings, your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian trattoria.
Step 4: Add Pasta Near the Finish Line
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the ditalini pasta. Let it cook in the bubbling soup until just tender—it will soak up all those savory juices and swell to the perfect texture. If things start to look a little thick, splash in some hot water or beef broth to keep it soup-like.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, fish out the bay leaf and stir in your freshly chopped parsley. Give the pot a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into big bowls, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy every hearty, flavor-packed bite of Crockpot Pasta Fagioli!
How to Serve Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
Garnishes
Bring your bowl to life with a generous tumble of grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. Some folks like a pinch of chili flakes or a twist of black pepper for extra zing—make it your own!
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs quite like a chunk of crusty Italian bread to soak up that savory broth. You could also serve Crockpot Pasta Fagioli with a crisp green salad, garlic knots, or even a platter of roasted veggies to keep things hearty but fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving in individual bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch—no extra dishes needed! For gatherings, set up a small toppings bar with freshly grated cheeses, chopped herbs, or croutons so guests can personalize their bowls. The deep flavors and colorful ingredients really shine in wide, shallow pasta bowls or heavy mugs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a joy with Crockpot Pasta Fagioli! Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the beans and pasta become even more comforting.
Freezing
For best results, freeze without the pasta since it can get mushy after thawing. Simply ladle the cooled soup (minus the ditalini) into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat and add cooked pasta just before serving.
Reheating
Warm up Crockpot Pasta Fagioli gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Microwave reheating works too; just cover the bowl loosely and stir halfway to ensure even heating. Top with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan for a just-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I make Crockpot Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?
Absolutely, just skip the meat and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. It’s still wonderfully hearty thanks to the beans and veggies, and just as delicious for vegetarians or anyone trying to eat more plant-based meals.
What pasta shapes work if I can’t find ditalini?
Ditalini is classic, but other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even broken spaghetti will work in a pinch. Just check doneness a little earlier since different shapes cook at different rates.
Can this soup be made gluten-free?
Totally! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of ditalini, and double-check your broth to be sure it’s gluten-free. The final result is just as comforting and flavorful.
Why is my soup thick after storing overnight?
Pasta and beans both soak up liquid as Crockpot Pasta Fagioli sits, making it thicker the next day. Simply stir in extra hot water or broth when reheating to restore its original, soupy consistency.
Can I cook the pasta separately?
Absolutely. Cooking the ditalini separately and adding it just before serving helps prevent it from getting over-soft, especially if you’re planning on leftovers or making the soup ahead.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting or satisfying as a pot of Crockpot Pasta Fagioli bubbling away, filling your home with irresistible Italian aromas. Give it a try and make it your own; you may just find it becomes your new favorite soup to share with friends and family!
Print
Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow-cooked pasta fagioli recipe that combines ground beef or Italian sausage with a medley of vegetables, beans, herbs, and pasta in a savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Transfer the meat to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Soup: Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef broth, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Discard the bay leaf, stir in chopped parsley, adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.
Notes
- If the soup thickens, add hot water or broth to adjust consistency.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth.
- Pasta fagioli thickens on standing, so add extra liquid when reheating leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
