Are you craving a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this delicious Pasta Fagioli Soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot! This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals made simple, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. It's one of those best recipes that consistently impresses, even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking comfort.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your crock pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, ditalini pasta, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully. This slow cooking process ensures a tender pasta and deeply flavorful broth.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra touch of deliciousness. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
- Meal prepping magic: This soup is perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 10-12g
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This Pasta Fagioli Soup is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and easy to make. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and provides a satisfying and nutritious meal for the whole family. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and remember to share your culinary creations with us!