Crock-Pot Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Alright, let’s talk about comfort food that practically makes itself. This isn’t your grandma’s “simmer all day” kind of recipe, unless your grandma had a magic slow cooker and a penchant for ignoring dirty dishes. We’re diving headfirst into Crock-Pot Pasta Fagioli, and honestly, if you can press a button, you can make this. It’s warm, it’s hearty, and it’s basically a hug in a bowl that requires minimal effort, leaving you more time for important things like doomscrolling or staring blankly at your overflowing laundry basket.

The other night, I was making this glorious Crock-Pot Pasta Fagioli, filling the kitchen with all those amazing smells. My youngest, who usually eats like a tiny, extremely picky bird, walked in, sniffed the air dramatically, and asked, “Mommy, did you make that bean stuff for dinner again?” Oh, to be 7 and refer to a culinary masterpiece as “bean stuff.” My husband, ever the helpful one, then chimed in, “Yeah, honey, is this like that lentil thing you made last week? Because the dog wasn’t a fan.” Folks, for the record, it was NOT a lentil thing, and the dog is a garbage disposal with legs, so his opinion is suspect at best. Despite the low expectations, everyone (yes, even the tiny bird and the dog’s culinary critic) had seconds. Victory!

Time-Saving Hacks

– Embrace the pre-chopped stuff. Onions, garlic, carrots – if it comes pre-prepped in a bag, it’s fair game. Your kitchen scissors are also acceptable for “chopping” herbs. Don’t tell anyone.
– Use a slow cooker liner. Seriously. The only thing worse than cooking is cleaning, and these liners are a gift from the universe. Just toss and pretend the pot was never dirty.
– Buy frozen mixed veggies. They don’t just exist for smoothies. Toss ’em in. They’ll thaw, they’ll cook, and you’ll get extra nutrients without the extra chopping. Win-win.
– Don’t wash the pot immediately after serving. Let it sit. “Soaking” is a valid cleaning method, especially if “soaking” means leaving it until morning.

Serving Ideas

Serve this with a generous glass of whatever helps you unwind after a long day (wine, sparkling water, or just a straight-up giant mug of coffee, no judgment here). If the kids drove you nuts, consider serving it with an extra large dollop of self-pity and a good cry in the pantry. Otherwise, a simple side salad makes you feel virtuous, and some crusty bread is mandatory for soaking up every last delicious drop.

What to Serve It With

* A hunk of crusty bread (for maximum dipping potential).
* A side salad (to balance out all the comfort food goodness, or just for show).
* Parmesan cheese. A LOT of Parmesan cheese.
* A cheeky glass of red wine, because you earned it.

✔Tips & Mistakes

My biggest tip? Don’t forget to add the pasta last! Seriously, if you toss it in at the beginning, you’ll end up with a starchy, gummy mess that looks less like soup and more like a science experiment gone wrong. Trust me, I’ve been there. Also, taste and adjust! Recipes are suggestions, not commandments. If it needs more salt, add it. If you like things spicier, toss in some red pepper flakes. This isn’t rocket science, it’s just dinner.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crock-Pot Pasta Fagioli Recipe

A hearty and comforting pasta fagioli that's perfect for any meal.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours hours

Total Time: 6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4.5 oz dried small pasta Any shape works well.
• ▢ 1.5 cups vegetable broth Low-sodium is preferred.
• ▢ 1 can canned diced tomatoes Use fire-roasted for extra flavor.
• ▢ 15 oz canned kidney beans Rinsed and drained.
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing vegetables.
• ▢ 1 large onion Chopped finely.
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic Minced.
• ▢ 2 tsp Italian seasoning Add more for a stronger flavor.
• ▢ 1 tsp black pepper Freshly ground, to taste.
• ▢ 0.5 cup fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Transfer the onion and garlic to a crock-pot and stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth.
• Season with Italian seasoning and black pepper. Mix well.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, add the dried pasta to the crock-pot.
• Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.