Pasta Fagioli Soup

A warm bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup is just what you need for a cozy weeknight dinner. This hearty soup combines beans and pasta in a flavorful broth, making it both satisfying and budget-friendly. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for an easy meal to enjoy with family, Pasta Fagioli Soup shines with its robust flavors and comforting texture. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your dietary preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is packed with protein-rich beans and pasta, ensuring you feel full and satisfied.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal in just 45 minutes.
• Versatile Options: You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or swapping out the meat to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Freezing: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal on busy days.
• One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients cook together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pasta Fagioli Soup smoothly, gather some essential tools that will help you through the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without risk of overflow.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while breaking up any meat if used.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked sausage or serving soup without excess liquid.

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Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Soup

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

To Finish

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. If using sausage:
1. Add it to the pot.
2. Cook while breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
3. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot:
1. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using):
1. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Liquids and Beans

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth along with crushed tomatoes:
1. Add the cooked sausage (if used).
2. Stir in rinsed cannellini beans and kidney beans.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil:
1. Reduce heat.
2. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta:
1. Cook according to package directions (usually about 8–10 minutes) until al dente.

Step 7: Season

Taste your soup:
1. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls:
1. Garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or make a cozy weeknight meal, these serving suggestions can enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the soup.
• Basil leaves: A few whole basil leaves can elevate the flavor and aroma.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the soup wonderfully.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the richness of the soup.
• Vegan cheese alternatives: For a dairy-free option, try sprinkling vegan cheese for similar flavor.

Served with Salad

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.
• Caesar salad: This classic side pairs well with the Italian flavors of Pasta Fagioli.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup

To ensure your Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide better flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Follow package instructions carefully to avoid mushy pasta.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go to ensure the right balance of salt and spices.
• Let it sit before serving: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic choice adds crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil complement the Italian theme beautifully.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked peppers filled with rice and vegetables make a hearty side that pairs well.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables provides a nice contrast.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a healthy balance alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta Fagioli Soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skipping the aromatics: Neglecting garlic, onions, or herbs can result in bland soup. Always sauté these ingredients first to build flavor.

• Boldly overcooking the pasta: If you add pasta too early, it can become mushy. Cook the pasta separately or add it in the last few minutes of cooking.

• Boldly ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning your soup will leave it flat. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.

• Boldly using low-quality broth: The broth is key to flavor. Opt for a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth for the best results.

• Boldly skipping garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or some grated cheese on top enhances both flavor and presentation. Don’t skip this step!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl uncovered, stirring every minute until hot, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, typically around 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta Fagioli Soup that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

What is Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-American dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and broth. It’s nourishing and perfect for chilly evenings.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach or swap out different types of beans based on your preference.

How long does Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Is it safe to freeze Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Yes! You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container before freezing.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can personalize it with various ingredients to match your taste preferences. This budget-friendly recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!