Pasta Fagioli Soup

A hearty and comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. This rich bean and pasta soup not only warms you on chilly evenings but also offers a budget-friendly meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With its savory flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Plus, it can easily be customized to fit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this soup can be made in about 45 minutes.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use chicken, beef, or turkey sausage, or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian delight.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with beans, veggies, and pasta, it’s satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.
• Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples means you won’t break the bank while feeding your family.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, having the right tools will help streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps break up chunks of meat if used.
• Slotted spoon: Great for removing cooked sausage from the pot while retaining the drippings for flavor.

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.

For the 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 Flavoring

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

For the Soup

• 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
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

To Finish

• 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: Heat the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. If using sausage:
* Add it to the pot.
* 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 Garlic & Herbs

Stir in garlic along with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using):
* Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Broth & Tomatoes

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

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil:
* Reduce heat.
* Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Cook 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.
* Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Pasta Fagioli Soup, perfect for any night of the week!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and appeal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping and soaking up the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a delicious, buttery contrast.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Finish each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory kick.
• Mozzarella: Melt mozzarella on top for a gooey, cheesy experience.

As Part of a Meal

• Salad: Offer a light salad as a side to balance the rich flavors of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrients and texture.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make your Pasta Fagioli Soup truly outstanding, consider these tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor, texture, and presentation.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Sauté your vegetables longer until they caramelize slightly. This adds depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
• Quality Broth Matters: Use high-quality chicken or vegetable broth. A richer broth enhances the overall taste of your soup.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go. Adjust seasoning gradually to ensure the perfect balance of flavors without overpowering them.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta separately if possible. This prevents it from becoming mushy when reheating leftovers.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add other beans or vegetables based on your preference. This makes the dish more personal and flavorful.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complement your hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance any meal. Each option adds variety and nutritional value to your dining experience.

1. Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette dressing creates a refreshing contrast.
2. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses provides a savory starter before the main course.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and herbs add color and substance to your meal.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an easy-to-eat side.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil is perfect for sharing or snacking.
6. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes add heartiness that pairs well with the soup’s textures.
7. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini offer a fun twist that complements the soup’s flavors nicely.
8. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft biscuits infused with garlic and cheese provide a comforting addition to any bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Pasta Fagioli Soup even more delicious. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Skipping the Sauté: Not sautéing the vegetables can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté the onion, carrots, and celery first for a rich base.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta directly in the soup for too long can make it mushy. Add it at the end and follow package directions for perfect al dente pasta.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality broth or canned beans can impact taste. Choose high-quality ingredients for a hearty and flavorful soup.
• Rushing the Simmering: Skipping simmer time can prevent flavors from melding. Allow your soup to simmer for at least 15 minutes for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in individual portions or family-sized containers.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pasta Fagioli Soup:

What is Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Pasta Fagioli Soup is an Italian-American dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and broth. It’s hearty and budget-friendly.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I customize my Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or spinach or use other types of beans according to your preference.

How long does it take to prepare Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional, any small pasta like elbow macaroni or shells will work well.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just hearty and comforting; it’s also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can customize it with different vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping!