Pasta Fagioli Soup

A warm bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This delightful one-pot recipe combines beans and pasta in a savory broth, ensuring a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you choose to make it with sausage or keep it vegetarian, this hearty soup is budget-friendly and can easily be frozen for later enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in no time.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs, beans, and pasta creates a rich flavor that warms the soul.
• Versatile Options: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking and quick meals throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious soup, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some key items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups/spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even cooking and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked sausage without transferring excess grease into your soup.
• Chopping board & knife: Vital for efficiently preparing your vegetables and herbs.

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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

Seasoning

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

Broth & 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 & Garnish

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 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 and cook until browned while breaking it up with a spoon.
* Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot:
* Cook until softened for about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Spices

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

Step 4: Pour in Broth & Tomatoes

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

Step 5: Simmer Flavors Together

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

Step 6: Cook Pasta

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

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls:
* Garnish with fresh parsley and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal and cater to different tastes.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves – Use whole basil leaves for a fragrant touch that complements the soup’s taste.

Add Some Crunch

• Croutons – Serve with crispy croutons for added texture and crunch in every spoonful.
• Toasted Bread – Pair with toasted or garlic bread slices for dipping into the hearty soup.

Cheese Options

• Grated Parmesan Cheese – A classic addition that adds richness; sprinkle generously just before serving.
• Vegan Cheese – For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well.

Accompany with Salads

• Caesar Salad – A refreshing Caesar salad can balance the warm, hearty soup perfectly.
• Arugula Salad – Lightly dressed arugula salad adds a peppery bite that complements the flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make your Pasta Fagioli Soup truly unforgettable, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Choose Quality Broth – Use high-quality chicken or vegetable broth for deeper flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Ensure ditalini pasta is cooked al dente; it will continue to soften in the soup as it sits.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor balance.
• Experiment with Beans – Feel free to mix different beans like black beans or chickpeas for added variety and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup

A comforting bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread – This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up every last drop of delicious soup.
2. Caprese Salad – A fresh Caprese salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds a light touch.
3. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies make a hearty side option.
4. Bruschetta – Top slices of toasted bread with tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a vibrant appetizer.
5. Mixed Greens Salad – A simple mixed greens salad tossed in vinaigrette provides freshness alongside the warm soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Bold Phrase: Skipping the Sautéing Step – Not sautéing the vegetables before adding broth can lead to a bland soup. Always sauté onions, carrots, and celery first to build a flavor base.

• Bold Phrase: Overcooking the Pasta – Cooking the pasta too long in the soup can cause it to become mushy. Follow package instructions for al dente pasta, as it will continue cooking in the residual heat.

• Bold Phrase: Using Low-Quality Broth – Using low-quality or overly salty broth can overpower the flavors of your soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for the best taste.

• Bold Phrase: Not Seasoning Enough – Under-seasoning can make your soup flat. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to ensure balanced flavors.

• Bold Phrase: Ignoring Garnishes – Skipping garnishes like fresh parsley or grated cheese can make your dish less visually appealing and flavorful. Always add a garnish for a pop of color and taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Use an airtight container – Store leftover Pasta Fagioli Soup in a sealed container.
• • Duration – It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup

• • Use freezer-safe containers – Make sure your containers are suitable for freezing.
• • Duration – The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Bold Phrase: Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Bold Phrase: Microwave – Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway through.
• Bold Phrase: Stovetop – Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pasta Fagioli Soup that may help you while preparing this delicious dish.

What is Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-American dish made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and broth. It’s perfect as a comforting meal any day of the week.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit any meat products like sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans or vegetables for extra protein.

How do I store leftover Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months for later use.

Can I customize my Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, beans, or even spices according to your preference. This soup is versatile!

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just filling but also incredibly budget-friendly and easy to customize. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening or need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients that suit your taste!