Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is a warm and hearty dish that brings the essence of Italian comfort food to your table. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup is rich in flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients. It’s an easy one-pot meal that combines lean ground beef, wholesome beans, tender vegetables, and savory herbs, making it a satisfying option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of traditional Italian soup, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be made in just one pot.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, beans, and veggies, it’s a healthy choice.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style), you will need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking everything together without needing multiple dishes.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables for even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps achieve the right balance of flavors in the soup.

Ingredients

This pasta fagioli soup recipe is cozy, savory, and full of traditional Italian comfort. Made with lean ground beef, beans, vegetables, pasta, and herbs, it’s a hearty one-pot meal you’ll come back to again and again.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

For Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Add-Ins

• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

For Garnish

• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese

How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, sugar, and all dried herbs. Return beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Ditalini Pasta

While the soup simmers, cook ditalini in a separate pot until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Mix in Beans and Pasta

Add cooked pasta, kidney beans, and great Northern beans to the soup. Stir well and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust consistency with extra water if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Stir in minced parsley before ladling soup into bowls. Top with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. Serve hot!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Serving your Pasta Fagioli Soup is an opportunity to enhance its comforting flavors. Here are some delightful ways to present this delicious dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve with a slice of crusty Italian bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the broth beautifully, making each bite more enjoyable.

Add a Side Salad

• A fresh garden salad adds a crisp contrast. Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.

Top with Cheese

• Sprinkle finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This adds a savory, creamy element that complements the soup perfectly.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Finish your soup with chopped fresh parsley or basil. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile.

Serve in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve individual portions in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and offers extra deliciousness!

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

To ensure your Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality broth elevate the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Don’t rush the sautéing: Take time to sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until soft. This builds a strong flavor base for your soup.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper towards the end of cooking for precision in flavor.
• Cook pasta separately: Cooking ditalini pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 15 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
• Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Complement your hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with some delicious side dishes. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make a refreshing side that pairs well with rich flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add healthy variety and texture to your meal.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa and spices, providing a hearty side that complements the soup well.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic pairing, these sandwiches add comfort and are always a hit with tomato-based soups.
6. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, marinated artichokes, and cheese for a flavorful assortment that enhances your dining experience.
7. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried fritters offer a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the soup.
8. Polenta: Creamy polenta served on the side is another excellent accompaniment that soaks up all those delicious flavors!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best pasta fagioli soup, be mindful of these common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture.

• Using low-quality beef: Opt for lean ground beef to ensure a flavorful base. Lower quality meat can result in an unappetizing taste.
• Skipping the sautéing step: Don’t rush this step! Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavor and creates a rich base for your soup.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cook ditalini just shy of al dente before adding it to the soup. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the broth.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Season with salt and pepper throughout cooking to build layers of flavor.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors together. Aim for at least 15 minutes for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pasta fagioli soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave space for expansion.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, typically around 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this comforting pasta fagioli soup recipe.

What is Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)?

This recipe features lean ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, and ditalini pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth, embodying comfort food at its finest.

Can I customize the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or swap out beans based on your preferences.

How do I thicken my Pasta Fagioli Soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply let it simmer longer or add more beans. You could also blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This pasta fagioli soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough to suit many tastes. Feel free to customize ingredients according to what you have on hand. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite one-pot dinner!