Name: Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-492096H47M26S
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

There’s something about walking into a kitchen filled with the aroma of slow-simmered Italian soup that just warms the soul. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to recreate when I made this Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli. It’s inspired by the restaurant favorite we all know and love—hearty, comforting, and loaded with flavor. But what I love most is that I can toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the magic while I go about my day.

This version is packed with ground beef, tender beans, veggies, and ditalini pasta all swimming in a savory tomato broth that gets better with every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly night or I just need a bowl of something familiar, this soup always delivers. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

It tastes just like the restaurant version but better because it’s homemade.
Super easy to throw together in the morning and ready by dinner.
Budget-friendly, especially when feeding a crowd.
Nutritious and filling thanks to protein-packed beans and veggies.
Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers.

Can I Use Any Kind of Beans?

While the classic Pasta Fagioli includes red kidney and cannellini beans, you can mix it up with what you have on hand. Pinto beans or even great northern beans work well. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the crockpot. If you’re starting with dried beans, they’ll need to be cooked ahead of time.

Options for Substitutions

Meat: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or go meatless with extra beans.
Pasta: Ditalini is traditional, but elbow macaroni or small shells work in a pinch.
Vegetables: Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pasta variety and double-check your broth and seasonings.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.

Ingredients for This Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Ground Beef – Adds hearty, savory richness and a boost of protein to the soup.
Yellow Onion – A flavor base that softens and sweetens as it cooks.
Carrots – For color, slight sweetness, and added texture.
Celery – Adds aromatic depth and balances the soup’s richness.
Garlic – Essential for building that classic Italian flavor.
Diced Tomatoes (with juice) – Forms the tomato-rich broth.
Tomato Sauce – Deepens the tomato base for a more luscious finish.
Beef Broth – Creates the savory, simmered-all-day taste.
Red Kidney Beans – For fiber, color, and hearty texture.
Cannellini Beans – Creamy, mild beans that balance the richness.
Ditalini Pasta – The traditional pasta shape for Pasta Fagioli.
Italian Seasoning – A balanced blend of herbs that gives it that signature flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Basic but essential for seasoning.
Fresh Parsley – Brightens and freshens up the final dish.
Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds a salty, nutty finish on top.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks, and once it’s no longer pink, drain the excess grease. This step adds depth and prevents the soup from becoming oily.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

Transfer the cooked beef to your crockpot. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Stir everything together so the flavors can start mingling.

Step 3: Season Generously

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it infuses the broth as it slow cooks.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The vegetables will soften, the flavors will deepen, and your kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine.

Step 5: Add Pasta Near the End

About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta. Cover and let the pasta cook until al dente. Avoid adding it too early, or it may turn mushy.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a taste before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired. This is the perfect time to tweak it to your taste.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and shaved or grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve it with crusty bread on the side for a truly comforting meal.

How Long to Prepare the Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli

Prep Time: The prep takes about 15–20 minutes. That includes chopping the vegetables and browning the ground beef. You can even do some of it the night before and store everything in the fridge to save time in the morning.

Cook Time: For the most flavorful result, cook the soup on low for 7–8 hours. If you’re in a bit of a rush, cooking it on high for 4–5 hours will still give you a delicious meal. Just remember to add the pasta during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Fagioli

Brown the meat first: This boosts flavor and keeps the soup from being greasy.
Use fresh vegetables: They soften beautifully in the crockpot and build a naturally sweet base.
Wait to add the pasta: Putting it in too early will lead to mushy pasta.
Season at the end: After it slow cooks, taste and adjust seasoning to bring everything together.
Top with fresh herbs and cheese: Parsley and Parmesan give a fresh, rich finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding pasta too early: This is the #1 mistake. It will overcook and turn the soup starchy.
Skipping the meat browning: Uncooked meat won’t develop that deep flavor we want.
Not draining canned beans: It can make the soup too salty or mushy.
Over-seasoning early: Flavors intensify as the soup cooks, so always season gently at first.
Cooking on high too long: High heat can break down the vegetables too much.

What to Serve With Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli?

1. Crusty Italian Bread

A hearty, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.

2. Garlic Breadsticks

Just like Olive Garden! Warm, buttery, and perfect for dipping.

3. Simple Arugula Salad

A lightly dressed peppery arugula salad cuts the richness of the soup nicely.

4. Grilled Cheese Panini

Level up with a toasted sandwich filled with melty mozzarella or provolone.

5. Roasted Veggies

If you want to keep things light, serve with a side of oven-roasted zucchini or asparagus.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you’ve added the pasta, expect it to soak up more broth as it sits.

Freezer: If you plan to freeze, it’s best to leave out the pasta and add it when reheating. Freeze the soup in individual portions or a large container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If it has thickened, add a bit of broth or water to loosen it up.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – about 1.5 cups)

Calories: ~350
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 890mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Pasta Fagioli” mean?

It translates to “pasta and beans” in Italian. This soup is a humble, rustic dish with regional variations across Italy.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or chopped mushrooms for heartiness.

Will the pasta get soggy in leftovers?

It can. If you know you’ll have leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely. Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) or ground turkey are great alternatives.

How can I make this spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a little kick.

Conclusion

Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli is one of those feel-good, soul-warming recipes that’s always a hit. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and couldn’t be easier to prepare—especially when your slow cooker does most of the work. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving a cozy bowl of comfort, this soup brings all the satisfaction of the classic restaurant dish right into your kitchen.