Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup

Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy nights at home. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it showcases the essence of Italian cooking while being incredibly simple to prepare. In under 45 minutes, you can serve a bowlful of love that resonates with tradition and authenticity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup can be made in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of San Marzano tomatoes and savory chicken broth creates a robust base that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish; it’s versatile enough to suit any meal setting.
• Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors, this soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Food processor (or knife for manual chopping)
• Measuring cups
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all the ingredients without spilling.
• Food processor: Speeds up the chopping process for onions and garlic, allowing for consistent preparation without too much effort.

Ingredients

This easy, authentic pasta fagioli soup recipe is a family heirloom and takes less than 45 minutes start to finish.

For the Soup Base

• 1 28oz can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
• 48oz chicken broth
• 2 14.5oz cans of cannellini beans

For the Flavor

• 4oz imported turkey slices, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For the Pasta

• 1lb box of ditalini pasta (Barilla brand)

How to Make Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring up a pot of salted water and boil the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain when firm and still al dente – about 6-7 minutes. The macaroni will soften further once added to the fagioli soup.

Step 2: Prepare Onions and Garlic

Using a food processor or by hand, dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Cover the bottom of a medium-large sized pot with olive oil, about 1/4 cup or so. Sauté the onions over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Stir often to prevent scorching.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for one minute while stirring to avoid burning.

Step 5: Cook Turkey

Add the diced turkey slices and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Combine Beans

Add the cannellini beans with their juice to the pot. Bring this mixture to a low boil while stirring frequently.

Step 7: Process Tomatoes

Meanwhile, remove the tomatoes from their can by hand and place them into a food processor. Pulse once or twice just enough to break them up without adding sauce or juice.

Step 8: Add Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything back to a boil.

Step 9: Season

Season with ground pepper according to your taste preference.

Step 10: Simmer

Add the processed tomatoes into the pot, stir well, then reduce heat to low simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 11: Serve

Serve hot with freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese on top, crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and warm crusty bread on the side.

How to Serve Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that brings family and friends together. This comforting dish can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its flavors and creating a memorable meal.

With Fresh Grated Cheese

• Pecorino Romano – Top each bowl with freshly grated Pecorino Romano for a salty kick.
• Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor to the soup.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread – Serve warm, sliced Italian bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread – For an added flavor punch, serve garlic bread on the side.

Topped with Spices

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Add a touch of heat to your bowl for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley – Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Perfect Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup takes just a few thoughtful steps. Follow these tips to elevate your soup to the next level.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Opt for high-quality San Marzano tomatoes and fresh chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Monitor Pasta Cooking Time – Cook ditalini pasta until firm; it will soften more when mixed with the soup.
• Enhance Flavor with Herbs – Consider adding bay leaves or thyme during simmering for extra depth.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste frequently and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout cooking.
• Let it Rest – Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving; flavors meld beautifully this way.

Best Side Dishes for Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing delicious side dishes with Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a fresh contrast.
2. Caprese Salad – Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil offer bright flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil make a hearty side that complements the soup well.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and herbs add a filling element to your meal.
5. Focaccia Bread – This soft, flavorful bread is perfect for dipping into the soup’s savory broth.
6. Antipasto Platter – A mix of olives, cheese, and marinated vegetables create an enticing appetizer before the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Using Wrong Beans: Make sure to use cannellini beans, as other types can alter the soup’s texture and flavor. Stick with the recipe for authenticity.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the ditalini pasta until just firm. It will continue to soften in the soup, preventing a mushy texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t skip seasoning with ground pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the flavors in your soup.
• Using Whole Tomatoes Instead of Processed: Always pulse the San Marzano tomatoes before adding them to maintain a smooth consistency. This ensures you get that rich flavor without large chunks.
• Skipping Olive Oil: Using enough olive oil during sautéing is crucial for developing deep flavors. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup.

What makes Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup different?

Nona’s version uses high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and cannellini beans, providing a rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

Can I make Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the turkey slices and add more vegetables or legumes for protein.

How long does Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container.

Can I substitute ditalini pasta with another type of pasta?

While ditalini is traditional, you can use small shells or elbow macaroni if preferred, but cooking times may vary.

Final Thoughts

Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preference. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting bowl that warms both heart and soul!