Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli wafting through your house. This classic Italian dish is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl, packed with hearty beans, savory vegetables, and tender pasta, all simmered to perfection. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary delight that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables by washing and chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small dice to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
- In the slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to create a flavor base for the soup.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, which will release its aromatic flavors during slow cooking.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, ensuring to include all the liquid for additional depth of flavor.
- Add the drained cannellini beans to the slow cooker, distributing them evenly among the vegetables.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, making sure all components are mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper across the top, gently stirring to distribute the spices.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the soup to cook slowly for 7-8 hours, which will develop rich, complex flavors.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the small pasta and stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Check the pasta's doneness and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Layering Flavors: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery first. This step builds a flavor base that enhances the overall taste of your soup.
- Bean Benefits: For a creamier texture, mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them to the slow cooker. This will add thickness to the broth without needing additional ingredients.
- Pasta Perfection: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ensures it retains its al dente texture.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving! Depending on your preference, you may want to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. It adds a touch of freshness and enhances the visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
