Step 1: Brown the Meat (Optional)
Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. (If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip this step.)
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Layer the vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the slow cooker with the sausage.
Add the tomatoes and beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and kidney beans.
Add the broth and seasoning: Stir in the chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Cook the pasta: About 20-30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Add pasta to the soup: Stir the cooked pasta into the soup, and let it sit in the slow cooker for another 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the bay leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil.
Tips for Success:
Cook the pasta separately: Cooking the pasta separately ensures it doesn’t become too soft or mushy while the soup simmers in the slow cooker.
Customize your protein: You can use ground beef, turkey, or even leave out the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
Freeze for later: This soup freezes well. If freezing, leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating to keep the texture just right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Comfort food at its best: With tender beans, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is a warm and filling dish that’s perfect for any season.
Set it and forget it: Using the slow cooker allows you to make this classic soup with minimal effort, letting the flavors build as it cooks.
Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with fiber from the beans and vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
This Hearty Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate comfort food for busy days. It’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to warm you up. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad, and enjoy this wholesome, satisfying Italian soup anytime!
ADVERTISEMENT
