Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and flavorful soup that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This classic Italian-inspired dish combines pasta, beans, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—maybe even thirds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, Pasta e Fagioli is both filling and healthy.
• Versatile Meal: Customize with your favorite beans or pasta shapes for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the pasta and beans, while adults appreciate the robust flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for cooking soups evenly without burning them.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked meat from the pot without excess grease.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 large carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth

• 3 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

For the Beans

• 1 15 oz can dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15 oz can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

For Seasoning

• 2 tsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar
• 2 medium bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp sugar (optional)
• 2 tsp dry Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked ditalini pasta
• Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Heat olive oil over medium high in a 6 quart Dutch oven or large soup pot. Add Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until no pink remains. Remove to a platter using a slotted spoon. Reserve 3 Tbsp drippings in pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

To the drippings, add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Let vegetables simmer over medium heat until tender and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in tomato sauce, vegetable broth, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, Italian sausage, ground beef, vinegar, bay leaves, sugar (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves and add cooked ditalini pasta. Mix well and simmer on low for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.

This Pasta e Fagioli is sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and fulfilling dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for a fragrant touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

With Crunchy Toppings

• Croutons: Serve with homemade or store-bought croutons for added crunch.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkling toasted pine nuts brings a nutty flavor and texture contrast.

With Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: A classic topping that adds richness and depth to each bowl.
• Mozzarella Balls: Add small mozzarella balls for a creamy, melty texture when served hot.

With Bread

• Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette makes for perfect dipping into the soup.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Pasta e Fagioli even more delightful, consider these tips. They will help you achieve a well-balanced and flavorful dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition, making the soup taste better.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer will deepen the flavors, making every bite more satisfying.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for a personalized taste.
• Add More Beans: For added protein and fiber, feel free to include more beans like black beans or chickpeas.
• Include Seasonal Veggies: Incorporating seasonal vegetables can add variety and freshness to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli

When serving Pasta e Fagioli, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: This warm and buttery bread is perfect for soaking up the broth.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and health benefits to the plate.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a light and vibrant side.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These savory delights can be filled with rice or quinoa for an added twist.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs offers a crunchy appetizer before the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Pasta e Fagioli even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong beans: Using only one type of bean can limit the flavor and texture. Combine kidney beans and cannellini beans for a more robust dish.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Make sure to season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for a flavorful result.
• Skipping the simmering step: Not allowing the soup to simmer properly can prevent flavors from developing. Give it time to blend and enhance the taste, ideally 15 minutes minimum.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding uncooked pasta directly can lead to mushy results. Always cook ditalini separately and add it just before serving for the best texture.
• Ignoring garnishes: Skipping parsley or Parmesan cheese can reduce visual appeal and flavor. Fresh toppings enhance both presentation and taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can freeze for up to 3 months; label with date.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta e Fagioli, along with their answers.

What is Pasta e Fagioli?

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and broth. It’s known for its comforting flavors and satisfying texture.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can switch up the beans or add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini based on your preferences.

How do I make Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Simply omit meat products and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can still include plenty of veggies for flavor.

Is Pasta e Fagioli healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with protein from beans and lean meat, along with vitamins from fresh vegetables.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Ditalini is traditional for Pasta e Fagioli, but you can substitute with small shells or elbow macaroni if needed.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli is not just a meal; it’s a comforting bowl of warmth that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste. From adding extra veggies to adjusting spice levels, this recipe invites creativity in every serving. Try it today!