Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli is a beloved Italian soup that has warmed the hearts and bellies of families for generations. Translating to “pasta and beans,” this dish is simple yet rich in flavor, combining pasta, beans, and a savory broth in a wholesome and comforting meal. The roots of this soup can be traced to Italy, where it was traditionally made with whatever beans and pasta were on hand, making it both practical and adaptable. While its origins may vary by region, Pasta Fagioli is cherished as a filling dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

What makes Pasta Fagioli so appealing is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or preparing a meal for a crowd, this soup is the perfect choice. Packed with a blend of nutritious ingredients like beans, vegetables, and lean meat (such as Italian sausage or ground beef), it provides the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and comforting carbs. The combination of hearty pasta and creamy beans in a rich tomato-based broth creates a delightful, hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

What’s even better? Pasta Fagioli can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences. You can make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth, or you can spice it up with a touch of red pepper flakes. This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal option for meal prep or to save for a rainy day when you need something warm and nourishing. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Pasta Fagioli delivers the warm, cozy feeling we all crave, without the hassle.

Why This Recipe is Perfect: The Comfort of Italy in Every Spoonful

Pasta Fagioli is a fantastic representation of the heartwarming simplicity of Italian cuisine. What makes this recipe stand out is the way it brings together simple, yet bold, flavors. The rich, tomato-based broth is infused with Italian seasonings like thyme and Italian seasoning, creating a savory foundation that complements the beans and meat beautifully. The broth isn’t just a base but a key player in adding depth to the soup.

This recipe also strikes the perfect balance between textures and flavors. The creamy beans, whether kidney or cannellini, melt into the broth, offering a smooth texture with every spoonful. The small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni) adds a chewy bite that contrasts perfectly with the soft beans. The addition of fresh garlic, onions, carrots, and celery infuses the dish with layers of flavor, while the Italian sausage (or ground beef) provides a satisfying richness that makes this soup hearty and filling.

Another standout feature is its adaptability. You can easily make this recipe to your preferences by adjusting the ingredients. Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes for a kick. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap the meat for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth. If you’re in the mood for a thicker soup, let it simmer longer, allowing the flavors to meld into a deeper, more complex taste.

For this classic Italian dish, you’ll need the following ingredients, which combine to create a rich, flavorful soup.

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and provide a rich, aromatic base for the soup.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced – Contributes a subtle sweetness and texture to the soup.
• 2 celery stalks, diced – Offers a fresh, crisp texture and enhances the overall flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the soup with a savory, aromatic essence.
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) – Provides a rich, meaty flavor and adds protein to the soup.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds acidity and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce – Enriches the broth with a smoother, thicker texture.
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Offers a creamy, hearty texture while boosting the soup’s protein content.
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – These beans provide a velvety texture and a mild, nutty flavor.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – Forms the savory base of the soup and helps meld the flavors together.
• 1 cup water – Used to adjust the soup’s consistency, ensuring the broth isn’t too thick.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian taste to the soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances and balances all the flavors.

For the Pasta:

• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells) – The pasta adds texture and substance, making the soup hearty and filling.

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soup.
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped – Offers a burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Crusty bread for serving – Complements the soup, perfect for dipping.

Instructions: Step-by-Step to Delicious Pasta Fagioli

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious, hearty bowl of Pasta Fagioli.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil with its rich aroma.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Next, add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) to the pot. Cook, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it browns. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid a greasy soup.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, cannellini beans, broth, and water into the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop into a rich, savory broth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 5: Combine and Serve Once the soup has finished simmering, stir the cooked pasta into the soup. If you prefer softer pasta, you can add it earlier during the simmering process. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serving Suggestions: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil. Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping, making this a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

Tips:

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.
• To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
• This soup freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it on busy days.

Pasta Fagioli is a perfect combination of hearty ingredients, rich broth, and satisfying pasta, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy in every spoonful!

Step 5: Equipment Needed – Essential Tools for Making Pasta Fagioli

To make Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment that will help you create the perfect bowl of soup. Here’s a breakdown of what’s required:

1. Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A sturdy, large pot (or Dutch oven) is essential for making Pasta Fagioli. It provides enough space for sautéing the vegetables, browning the meat, and simmering the broth and beans. A Dutch oven is particularly ideal as it retains heat evenly, ensuring that the soup cooks consistently without burning.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: You’ll need a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the vegetables and meat. This tool allows you to break up the meat as it browns and ensures that everything is evenly mixed while simmering.
3. Cutting Board and Knife: A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for chopping the vegetables—onions, carrots, celery, and garlic—into the proper sizes. This ensures that they cook evenly and release their flavors effectively.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting the right balance of seasoning and liquids. Measuring cups and spoons will help you add the right amount of broth, water, and spices.
5. Colander or Strainer: To rinse the beans and drain the pasta, a colander or strainer is essential. This helps remove excess salt and prevents the beans from being too starchy.
6. Ladle: A ladle is helpful for serving the soup into bowls without making a mess. It allows you to easily portion the soup while keeping the pasta and beans evenly distributed.
7. Soup Bowls: Once everything is cooked, you’ll want a few deep, sturdy bowls to serve the soup in. Make sure they are large enough to hold the hearty soup and allow for garnishing.

By having these key tools in your kitchen, you’ll ensure that the process of making Pasta Fagioli is smooth and efficient.

Step 6: Tips, Swaps, and Variations – Customizing Your Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a wonderfully versatile dish, and there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few tips, swaps, and variations to try:

1. Make it Vegetarian: If you want to skip the meat, simply omit the ground sausage or beef and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The beans provide ample protein, and you’ll still have a rich, flavorful soup thanks to the seasonings and tomatoes.
2. Add Greens for Extra Nutrition: For an extra burst of color and nutrients, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale to the soup. Add them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep them tender and vibrant.
3. Use Different Pasta: While small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are traditional, feel free to experiment with other shapes like small shells, orecchiette, or even gluten-free pasta for a unique twist. Just make sure to cook the pasta separately to avoid overcooking it in the soup.
4. Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process will bring an exciting kick to the soup. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce can be added before serving to adjust the heat level to your liking.
5. Add More Beans: If you love beans, you can increase the number of beans in the recipe. Consider adding more red kidney beans, chickpeas, or even lentils for a heartier, more filling soup.
6. Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is a classic garnish, you can also try other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, for a sharper flavor. A dollop of ricotta cheese on top can add a creamy, indulgent touch to the soup.
7. Make It Creamy: For a richer soup, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone cheese just before serving. This will give the soup a velvety texture and a creamy finish.
8. Herb Variations: If you don’t have dried thyme or Italian seasoning, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, or sage. Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking can brighten up the soup’s flavor.

With these tips and variations, you can tailor Pasta Fagioli to your preferences, whether you’re looking for a more traditional version or trying something new!

Step 7: Storage and Pairings – Storing Leftovers and Perfect Pairings

Storing Leftovers:

Pasta Fagioli is a fantastic dish to make ahead of time and store for later. Leftover soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and prevent bacterial growth.

If you’d like to freeze the soup for later use, it’s best to freeze it before adding the pasta. The pasta can become mushy when reheated, so it’s better to cook it fresh each time you reheat the soup. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat the soup on the stove and cook fresh pasta to add just before serving.

Food Pairings:

Pasta Fagioli is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create an even more satisfying dining experience. Here are some perfect pairings:

1. Crusty Bread: A warm, rustic loaf of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to Pasta Fagioli. Use it to soak up the rich tomato broth, or toast it with a little olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.
2. Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent option, garlic bread adds extra flavor and texture, making the meal feel even more comforting.
3. Salads: A fresh, light salad balances the richness of the soup. Try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad with crispy croutons and parmesan.
4. Cheese: Serve the soup with extra cheese, such as shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. These cheeses will enhance the umami flavor and complement the richness of the soup.
5. Wine: Pair Pasta Fagioli with a medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or a Merlot. These wines complement the tomato-based broth without overpowering the soup’s flavors.

Whether you’re storing leftovers for later or preparing a full meal, Pasta Fagioli is a versatile dish that pairs well with simple, comforting sides.

Step 8: FAQs – Common Questions About Pasta Fagioli

1. Can I make Pasta Fagioli ahead of time? Yes! Pasta Fagioli actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make the soup ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze the soup (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Reheat and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I make this soup without meat? Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage or beef, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The beans will still provide a hearty, protein-packed base, and the tomato broth will keep the soup flavorful and satisfying.

3. What pasta can I use for Pasta Fagioli? The best pasta for Pasta Fagioli is small, bite-sized pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells. These shapes fit well with the beans and the texture of the soup. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.

4. Can I make this soup spicy? Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process to add a bit of heat. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the soup before serving.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy? To prevent the pasta from getting soggy, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. If you plan to store the soup for later, don’t add the pasta until you’re ready to reheat and serve the soup.

6. Can I substitute the beans? While red kidney beans and cannellini beans are traditional, you can swap them with other types of beans, such as garbanzo beans or chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse and drain any canned beans before adding them to the soup.

With these answers, you’ll be ready to make the perfect batch of Pasta Fagioli and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal every time!

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