Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a delightful Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Packed with pasta, beans, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it features a secret flavor booster that elevates it to a new level of deliciousness. Your family will love this hearty soup, making it a go-to meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh veggies, this soup is both healthy and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of pasta and beans makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later!

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables for even cooking.
• Immersion blender: Convenient for blending the soup without transferring it to another container.

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Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil (divided; 1/4 cup for cooking, 1/4 cup reserved for serving)
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup carrot (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 1 cup potato (diced)

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (to be sprinkled in bit by bit during each cooking step)
• 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained)
• 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes (diced, drained)

Broth Components

• 1 quart cold water
• 1 quart beef broth
• Parmesan rind

Final Touches

• 8 ounces pasta (ditallini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated; divided into 1/4 cup for cooking and 3/4 cup reserved for serving)

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In your large pot, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent, seasoning with a sprinkle of salt as they cook.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Next, add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften. Continue seasoning with another sprinkle of salt during this step.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, Water, Broth, Salt, and Pepper

Toss in the diced tomatoes and drained cannellini beans. Pour in the cold water and beef broth. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer with Parmesan Rind

Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Add the Parmesan rind into the pot and allow everything to simmer together for 45–60 minutes.

Step 5: Blend (Kind Of)

After simmering, remove the Parmesan rind from the pot. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta in the Soup

Increase heat again until boiling. Add uncooked pasta into the pot and cook according to package instructions—usually about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once pasta is cooked through, turn off heat. Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted completely into the soup.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle your delicious Pasta e Fagioli Soup into bowls. Drizzle with reserved olive oil and top with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano before serving warm. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

With Homemade Garlic Breadsticks

• Pair your soup with warm, homemade garlic breadsticks for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for an aromatic finish that enhances the flavors of the soup.

With a Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving adds richness and depth to every spoonful.

Accompanied by a Green Salad

• A crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the warm, hearty soup. Consider using a simple vinaigrette for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To ensure your Pasta e Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh produce enhances the flavors and textures in your soup, making it more vibrant and delicious.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Adding salt bit by bit allows you to control the flavor without over-salting your dish.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps develop deeper flavors; aim for at least 45 minutes.
• Blend Partially for Texture: Using an immersion blender to partially blend the soup provides a creamy consistency while still keeping some chunks.
• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While ditallini or elbow macaroni are traditional, feel free to try other pasta shapes for variety in texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Enjoying Pasta e Fagioli Soup is even better with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Toast
   Crisp slices of bread topped with garlic butter make an excellent accompaniment for dipping into the soup.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal while complementing the flavors of the soup.

4. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and herbs offers a flavorful bite that pairs well with any bowl of soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or cheese provide a filling option that can round out your meal beautifully.

6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
   Soft biscuits loaded with cheese make a perfect pairing for soaking up every drop of delicious broth in your bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold seasoning – Season your ingredients gradually throughout the cooking process. Adding all the salt at once can lead to uneven seasoning.
• Bold overcooking vegetables – Sautéing vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender but still firm texture to maintain a nice bite.
• Bold skipping the Parmesan rind – The Parmesan rind adds depth and richness. Don’t skip it; just remember to remove it before blending!
• Bold ignoring pasta cooking time – Add pasta only after the soup has reached a boil and cook according to package instructions for the best texture.
• Bold using low-quality broth – The broth significantly impacts the soup’s flavor. Use a good-quality beef broth for better results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pasta e Fagioli Soup.

What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans, often enriched with vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Yes! You can add different vegetables or use various types of pasta according to your preference.

How do I store leftover Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for later use.

Is there a vegetarian version of Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat products for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile, making it perfect for any season. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices. This recipe will surely become a family favorite!