Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

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by Emilia

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, this soup offers comforting warmth during chilly evenings or serves as a satisfying meal for family gatherings. The rich tomato broth, combined with tender vegetables and protein-rich beans, makes it both nutritious and filling. Enjoy this classic Italian dish for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of herbs and beans creates a savory experience that will delight your taste buds.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing for later.
  • Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and fiber, it keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you begin. Having everything ready will save you time and effort while preparing your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large soup pot: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly without spilling over.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking.
  • Measuring cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is packed with lean protein, tender vegetables, savory herbs, and two types of beans in a rich tomato broth. It’s comforting, filling, and brimming with classic Italian flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

For the Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound mild or spicy ground turkey or chicken sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 medium celery ribs, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth

  • 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

For Serving

  • 1 cup (4 oz) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for about 6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Broth Ingredients

Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the pasta and simmer for 9–10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove and discard bay leaves. Remove soup from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve hot garnished with more Parmigiano-Reggiano and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

  • Italian parsley: Sprinkle chopped Italian parsley on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
  • Basil leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Pair with Bread

  • Crusty baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette for dipping into the soup.
  • Garlic bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the soup perfectly.

Add Cheese

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano: Top each bowl with extra grated cheese for richness.
  • Mozzarella balls: Add small mozzarella balls for a creamy texture.

Serve with Salad

  • Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and contrast.
  • Mixed greens: A light mixed greens salad balances the heartiness of the soup.
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How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:

  • Use quality broth: A good chicken broth enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
  • Cook pasta separately: For best results, cook pasta al dente separately and add it just before serving.
  • Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes enhances its flavors.
  • Experiment with beans: Try different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variation.
  • Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper levels just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complement your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup with these delightful side dishes. Each one brings something special to your meal.

  1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
  2. Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives make for an inviting starter.
  3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds a crunchy element.
  4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer a healthy balance to the hearty soup.
  5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a filling side option.
  6. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes provide a rich accompaniment to the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

  • Using too much salt: Adding too much salt can overpower the dish. Start with less and taste as you go.
  • Not sautéing enough: Skipping the sauté step can lead to bland flavors. Take your time to cook the vegetables until they soften and develop a rich taste.
  • Overcooking pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can result in mushiness. Add it toward the end of cooking and check for al dente texture.
  • Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth can detract from the soup’s overall flavor. Opt for low sodium chicken broth or homemade stock for better results.
  • Not adjusting thickness: The soup thickens as it sits, which may not be desirable. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water when reheating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • item Store in an airtight container.
  • item It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

  • item Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
  • item Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.
  • item It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20–25 minutes.
  • Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and savory spices simmered in a rich tomato broth.

Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or change up the beans based on your preference.

What should I serve with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is approximately 40 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that offers warming comfort any day of the week. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a bowl of hearty goodness!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup


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  • Author: Emilia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, a hearty dish that beautifully combines rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. This classic Italian recipe features tender pasta, protein-packed beans, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will leave you satisfied.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken sausage
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 medium carrots
  • 2 celery ribs
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can cannellini beans
  • 1 can red kidney beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • Dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme)
  • Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in diced onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley; sauté until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in pasta; simmer until al dente.
  6. Remove bay leaves and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust thickness with more broth if needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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