Pasta e Fagioli is a beloved Italian comfort dish that combines hearty pasta with nutritious beans in a rich, flavorful broth. This Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Its balance of protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a filling yet healthy option. Plus, it can easily be customized to suit your taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with beans and vegetables, this dish offers essential nutrients.
- Versatile Options: You can easily swap out the pasta or add more veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and simmered ingredients creates a soothing taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Easily Scalable: Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe can be doubled or halved effortlessly.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the cooking process and helps ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A must-have for simmering soups evenly without splattering.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy in measurements ensures a balanced flavor in your soup.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup:
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth Base
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Legumes & Pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Seasoning
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Broth Ingredients
Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, dried oregano, and dried thyme into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, stir in your chosen pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve hot in bowls garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Pasta e Fagioli!
How to Serve Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a wonderful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and appeal. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of flavor and creaminess.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds a fruity note and enhances the overall taste.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad, dressed lightly, to balance the heartiness of the soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Add freshly chopped herbs like basil or thyme as a fragrant garnish to brighten up the dish.
How to Perfect Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Making the perfect Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup, making it more wholesome.
Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more pasta or let it simmer longer to reduce the broth.
Season Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper; you can always add more later as needed for taste.
Experiment with Beans: While cannellini beans are traditional, feel free to use other beans like kidney or black beans for different textures.
Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors while adding an irresistible crunch.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Caprese Skewers: Skewers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a light, flavorful appetizer that pairs well.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs creates a savory bite that works perfectly with soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring extra nutrients and flavor, enhancing your meal’s healthfulness.
Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta served alongside makes for a comforting addition that complements the hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe can be a joy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery too long can lead to mushy vegetables. Sauté them just until they’re softened for the best texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can make your soup bland. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor.
- Using the wrong pasta: Not all pasta holds up well in soup. Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni that cook quickly and absorb flavors.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness to the dish. Don’t forget to garnish your soup right before serving for that burst of freshness.
- Not allowing enough simmer time: A quick boil isn’t enough; simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully. Be patient and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes after adding pasta.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a little broth if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe.
Can I substitute different beans in this recipe?
You can definitely use other types of beans like kidney beans or black beans if you prefer. Just ensure they are cooked or canned.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it uses vegetable broth. Just be sure all ingredients are plant-based.
What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes such as ditalini or elbow macaroni work best, as they cook quickly and fit well in each spoonful.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your soup by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s a fantastic meal that you can easily customize with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. Give it a try; it’s perfect for any time you crave something warm and filling!
Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Indulge in a warm bowl of Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a comforting Italian classic that brings together nutritious beans, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables in a flavorful broth. This delicious soup is not only quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With its versatile nature, you can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread or topped with fresh herbs, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in your chosen pasta; reduce heat to simmer and cook 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg