Pasta Fagioli Soup

A classic comfort food, Pasta Fagioli Soup brings warmth and flavor to your table. This delicious bean and pasta soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With its hearty ingredients, it’s not only budget-friendly but also versatile, appealing to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans, pasta, and vegetables, this soup provides a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this comforting dish in under an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your choice of proteins or make it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy meals on busy nights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify cleanup by making everything in a single pot.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful Pasta Fagioli Soup efficiently, gather your tools before starting. Having the right equipment will help ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for even heat distribution while simmering the soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Soup 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 Broth and Beans

• 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

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish

• 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, add it now. Cook until browned while breaking it up with a spoon. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Herbs

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

Step 4: Combine Broth and Beans

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth along with crushed tomatoes. Add the cooked sausage (if using), cannellini beans, and kidney beans.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 7: Season

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Enjoy your delicious 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 a light meal or a hearty dinner, serving suggestions can enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair with toasted baguette slices for a delightful crunch.
• Serve with garlic bread for extra flavor.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh parsley to brighten the flavors.
• Add a sprinkle of basil for an aromatic touch.

A Side Salad

• Complement your soup with a simple mixed green salad.
• A Caesar salad adds a creamy contrast and depth to the meal.

With Grated Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add as desired.
• Use nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative for topping.

In a Bread Bowl

• Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and interactive meal.
• Use sourdough or any crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup

Creating the perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail in both ingredients and cooking techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
• Add seasoning gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings as you cook to achieve the perfect balance.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances the flavor development, making it richer.
• Cook pasta separately: This prevents overcooking and ensures your pasta maintains its texture when served.
• Incorporate variety: Mix different beans like black beans or chickpeas for added nutrition and flavor complexity.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here’s a list of great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping into soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer bright flavors that complement the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth to your meal.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta balances the heartiness of the soup wonderfully.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses provides variety and flavor contrasts.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Baked bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a satisfying side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the sauté: Not sautéing your vegetables first can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always cook onions, carrots, and celery until softened before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long in the soup can result in mushy noodles. Follow package instructions for al dente pasta and add it towards the end.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your soup. Opt for a good-quality chicken or vegetable broth for better flavor.
• Not letting it simmer: Skipping the simmering step means missing out on flavor melding. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 15 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered, for about 20-25 minutes until hot.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pasta Fagioli Soup that may help clarify your cooking process.

What is Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-American dish made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and broth. It’s known for its comforting flavors and versatility.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily make Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian by omitting sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How long does Pasta Fagioli Soup last?

Pasta Fagioli Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months if stored properly.

Can I customize my Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or beans based on your preferences. You can also adjust spices to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just a delicious meal; it’s also budget-friendly and versatile. Whether you enjoy it on a cozy evening or want something hearty for lunch, this soup can be customized easily. Try adding seasonal vegetables or changing up the type of beans—your options are limitless!