Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that perfectly combines beans and pasta in a delicious broth. This versatile soup is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. With its rich flavors and budget-friendly ingredients, Pasta Fagioli Soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this soup can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Quick and Easy: With just one pot required, you can have this meal ready in under an hour.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the beans to suit your taste preferences.
• Freezable: Prepare a big batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals on busy days.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fiber from the beans and vitamins from fresh vegetables, it’s both satisfying and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Chopping board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even cooking and allows enough space for all ingredients.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked sausage while leaving drippings that add flavor to the soup.
• Chopping board: Keeps your workspace organized and safe while preparing vegetables.
• Chef’s knife: A good quality knife makes chopping quick and efficient.

Ingredients

A hearty and budget-friendly bean and pasta soup, perfect for weeknights. This one-pot recipe can be made in a slow cooker and offers vegetarian or sausage variations. It freezes well.

Base Ingredients

• 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

Herbs and Seasonings

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

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

Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta

To Taste

• 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: Sauté the Base

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

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot:
1. Cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic along with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Broth & Tomatoes

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

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the soup to a boil:
1. Reduce heat; let simmer for about 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Add Pasta

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

Step 6: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste:
1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or ciabatta works particularly well.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or basil. This adds vibrant flavor and a pop of color.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair your soup with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette complements the flavors of the soup nicely.

With Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Guests can sprinkle it on top for added richness.

As a Main Dish

• Enjoy it as a filling main course. Its hearty ingredients make it satisfying on its own.

In Individual Bowls

• Serve in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation. This makes it perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup

Creating the perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup requires attention to detail and proper techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Broth: The base of your soup greatly impacts its flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken or vegetable broth.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Properly sautéing onions, carrots, and celery enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as you cook. This ensures the flavors are balanced.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Freeze Portions: If you have leftovers, freeze portions for an easy meal later. Just reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complementing your Pasta Fagioli Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness alongside the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition and texture to your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans make a hearty side option.
6. Cheesy Biscuits: Warm biscuits with melted cheese are delightful when served alongside any soup.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers offers variety and flavor.
8. Polenta: Creamy polenta can be served as a comforting side dish that pairs well with the soup’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Bold flavorless broth: Using weak or low-quality broth can make your soup bland. Always opt for a rich chicken or vegetable broth for a deeper flavor.

• Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta too long can result in mushy noodles. Cook the pasta separately or add it during the last 8-10 minutes of simmering.

• Bold skimping on seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can lead to a flat taste. Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.

• Bold ignoring texture: Forgetting to balance textures can make your soup less enjoyable. Incorporate both beans and vegetables for a hearty, varied mouthfeel.

• Bold rushing the simmer: Skipping the simmering time can prevent flavors from blending properly. Allow at least 15 minutes of simmering for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Ideal for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Pasta Fagioli Soup that will help you perfect your dish.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit meat and use vegetable broth along with additional veggies or beans for more depth.

How do I thicken my Pasta Fagioli Soup?

To thicken your soup, you can mash some of the beans or stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water while it simmers.

What is traditionally served with Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Pasta Fagioli Soup is often served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal experience.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or chickpeas.

How long does it take to make Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick weeknight meal!

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by adding various vegetables or changing up the type of beans used. It’s perfect for meal prepping or serving on chilly evenings—give it a try!