Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Mums Comfort Food Simplified
Recipe Introduction
Ever had one of those days where only comfort food will do? Fancy a hug in a bowl? Then this crockpot pasta fagioli soup is just the ticket.
Honestly, it's like a big, warm Italian cuddle!
Quick Hook
Fancy diving into a bowl that feels like a comforting Italian grandma made it? This crockpot pasta fagioli soup delivers that rustic flavour with minimal effort.
It's easy pasta fagioli recipe and brimming with hearty goodness, perfect for chilly evenings.
Brief Overview
Pasta Fagioli basically, pasta and beans is a classic rustic Italian soup . Originally a peasant dish, it's now loved worldwide.
This easy pasta fagioli recipe is a breeze to make, taking around 20 minutes of prep, then 6- 8 hours in the slow cooker .
Makes enough to feed 6-8 hungry souls!
Main Benefits
One of the great things is, beans are packed with fibre and protein. Meaning this comfort food soup recipes is actually good for you! Serve it up on a cold night, or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
What makes this one-pot pasta fagioli special? It's proper hearty, and the slow cooker does all the work! No stress, just great taste.
This version is a slow cooker bean and pasta soup dream. The flavours meld together beautifully, making it taste like you've been slaving over the stove all day.
In reality, you just chucked it all in and waited! We have found some italian soup recipes slow cooker versions, but this crockpot soup recipes easy is our favourite because its so quick and simple.
Right then, let's gather the ingredients for this ditalini pasta soup . You'll need sausage, beans, pasta, and some flavour enhancers! Grab that shopping list and let's get started!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Fancy a bowl of heartwarming slow cooker pasta and beans ? This crockpot pasta fagioli soup is dead easy. It’s proper Italian comfort food soup recipes .
It's a one-pot pasta fagioli . Honestly, even my nan could make this easy pasta fagioli recipe ! So, gather your bits and bobs and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: What You'll Need
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). The good stuff, you know? Extra virgin if you can.
- Italian sausage: 1 pound (450g), casings removed. Go for proper Italian sausage from your local butcher. It makes all the difference. If you can't get that, any good sausage will do.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
- Carrots: 2 , chopped (about 1 cup / 120g).
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (about 1 cup / 110g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 tsp / 6g). Fresh is always best.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml, optional). For a bit of a kick. I like a bit of heat in my rustic Italian soup .
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters).
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (800g). The better quality, the richer the flavor!
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g), rinsed and drained.
- Cannellini beans: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g), rinsed and drained.
- Bay leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Ditalini pasta: 1 cup (about 100g). Ditalini pasta soup is classic, but elbow macaroni works too!.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
Oregano and basil are the foundation for this Italian soup recipes slow cooker . A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth.
Don't be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper. The beauty of a slow cooker bean and pasta soup is that the flavors meld together so beautifully over time.
Equipment Needed: The Essentials
- Large skillet. For browning the sausage.
- 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker .
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chopping board and knife.
Honestly, this crockpot soup recipes easy really is easy. Give it a bash, mate! The pasta fagioli with sausage is just beautiful!
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Magic for Pasta Fagioli
Right, let's chat about chucking it all in a slow cooker ! Making crockpot pasta fagioli soup isn't just easy, it’s proper therapeutic.
Honestly, there's something dead satisfying about prepping everything then just letting it simmer away while you get on with life.
The smell alone is enough to make you think you're in Nonna's kitchen. The best comfort food soup recipes are the ones that do themselves, yeah?
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , darling! Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Get your garlic minced. Weigh out your sausage.
This essential mise en place saves time later. Honestly, I once skipped this and spent half an hour during cooking trying to chop an onion with a blunt knife never again! Safety reminder : mind your fingers with that knife, yeah? Nobody wants a plaster in their rustic Italian soup .
step-by-step: Easy Does It
This easy pasta fagioli recipe is stupid easy.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet until cooked. Drain the excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Cook onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and spices: Cook for a minute more.
- Combine everything in the slow cooker. Add sausage, veggies, broth, tomatoes, beans, and a bay leaf.
- Slow cook: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
- Add pasta in the last 30 minutes . Cook until the ditalini pasta soup is tender. It's about 10- 12 mins .
- Season and serve. Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with parmesan and parsley.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game
Here's a trick I learned the hard way. Don’t overcook the pasta. Honestly, mushy pasta is a crime. Add it at the very end.
Looking for Italian soup recipes slow cooker ? Slow cooker bean and pasta soup is a winner. If you want to add a bit of heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes is fab.
You can even sneak in some extra veggies like zucchini.
I swear by using decent broth. It really makes all the difference. And if you are feeling naughty, stir in a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
Chef's kiss . And remember, this one-pot pasta fagioli is even better the next day!
Now, go on, make yourself a cracking bowl of pasta fagioli with sausage that would impress even your Nan!
Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Pasta Fagioli Soup Adventure
So, you're ready to tackle this easy pasta fagioli recipe ? Brilliant! Let's chat about a few things that'll help you nail it.
I learned these tips the hard way, so you don't have to! Honestly, I've had a few right shockers in the kitchen, you know?
Serving Suggestions: "Cor Blimey, That Looks Good!"
Okay, first impressions matter, right? When plating your crockpot pasta fagioli soup , think rustic chic. Ladle it into bowls, swirl a tiny bit of olive oil on top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
A dollop of ricotta wouldn't go amiss either. Think about comfort food soup recipes . As for sides? Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious broth.
A simple green salad adds a bit of freshness. And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of red wine pairs perfectly.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This rustic Italian soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove. If you fancy freezing your slow cooker bean and pasta soup , let it cool completely, then portion into freezer safe containers.
It'll keep for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then heat through thoroughly.
Word to the wise: the pasta might be a bit softer after freezing.
Variations: "Fancy a Change, Do Ya?"
Fancy tweaking things? Go for it! For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
Swap the sausage in your pasta fagioli with sausage for something spicy like chorizo. Feeling adventurous? How about a bit of pancetta.
For a richer flavour, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste when you add the other ingredients. These little tweaks will change up your slow cooker pasta and beans quite drastically!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This one-pot pasta fagioli is packed with goodness. It's a good source of protein and fiber from the beans and sausage.
It's also got vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and tomatoes. Each serving clocks in at around 350-450 calories, 25-30g protein, 15-20g fat, 40-50g carbohydrates and 8-10g fiber.
Sodium content varies. This ditalini pasta soup is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! I love Italian soup recipes slow cooker because they’re so easy!
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your crockpot soup recipes easy . Honestly, this crockpot pasta fagioli soup recipe is pretty foolproof.
Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this crockpot pasta fagioli soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavours meld even better when made a day or two in advance. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash more broth when reheating.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, like you would with your leftovers from Sunday roast!
My pasta turned to mush in the slow cooker. What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded mushy pasta! The key is timing. Always add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking, no sooner. And make sure you are using the correct heat setting for the correct duration, if you like you can pre-cook the pasta and just add before serving.
Overcooking is a cardinal sin, like putting milk in your tea before the hot water!
Can I freeze crockpot pasta fagioli soup?
Freezing this soup is a great way to have a comforting meal ready to go. However, the pasta might become a bit softer after thawing. To minimize this, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup after reheating.
Portion it into freezer safe containers, leaving some space for expansion nobody wants an exploding freezer, bit like a bomb going off.
I'm vegetarian. How can I adapt this crockpot pasta fagioli soup recipe?
No worries, mate! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra heartiness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add a lovely savory depth, replacing some of the flavour lost from removing the sausage.
Is there a way to make this pasta fagioli soup even more flavourful?
You bet! First, don't skimp on browning the sausage and vegetables that’s where a lot of the flavour comes from. Also, deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine before adding it to the slow cooker adds a certain je ne sais quoi.
Finally, a Parmesan rind thrown into the slow cooker while it simmers imparts a fantastic umami flavour - just remember to remove it before serving!
How can I make this crockpot pasta fagioli soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, there are a few tricks you can try. One simple method is to mash about a cup of the cooked beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and then stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
A bit of grated parmesan stirred in at the end can also add some thickness.
Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Mums Comfort Food Simp
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |
