Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect comfort food, offering a hearty blend of flavors that warms the soul. This delightful Italian soup combines tender pasta, savory beef, and nutritious beans, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish for a chilly evening, this Easy Pasta e Fagioli serves up satisfaction with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, rich broth, and aromatic vegetables creates a robust flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread, this soup fits any occasion.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with protein from beans and vitamins from vegetables, it’s both filling and healthy.
• Easily Scalable: Make a big batch for meal prep or adjust the recipe to serve a smaller group.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking Easy Pasta e Fagioli even easier. Gather your essentials before starting to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring all ingredients cook thoroughly without burning.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat, preventing mess in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices

For the Vegetables

• 3 sticks celery chopped finely
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced

For the Beans

• 1 14 oz can red kidney beans drained
• 1 14 oz can cannellini beans or great northern beans drained

Seasonings

• 1/2 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (or add more to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

For the Pasta

• 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

How to Make Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Place the beef in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. There’s no need to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot.
• Cook for about 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until vegetables soften.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, chicken broth, red apple vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
• Bring the mixture to a boil by raising the heat to high.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

• Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer partially covered for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

• Add uncooked ditalini pasta to the pot and continue simmering until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
• Keep the lid slightly ajar and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If saving leftovers, cook pasta separately.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste before serving hot. Enjoy your Easy Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Easy Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and providing a complete meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping, allowing you to soak up the delicious broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle over their bowls, adding richness.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it on its own in a deep bowl, letting the flavors shine without distractions.

With a Salad

• Pair with a light salad to balance the hearty soup. A simple green salad works great!

How to Perfect Easy Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Easy Pasta e Fagioli even better, keep these tips in mind:

• Use quality broth: A good chicken broth enhances the flavor significantly. Opt for low-sodium if you prefer more control over saltiness.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices towards the end of cooking for optimal flavor.
• Cook pasta separately: If you plan to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately. This prevents it from becoming mushy when stored.
• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Completing your meal with sides can make it truly satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter complements the soup perfectly.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your dinner.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a rich flavor that pairs well.
5. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta adds a unique twist while being comforting.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice and vegetables for an enjoyable side option.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overcooking the pasta – If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add the pasta towards the end of cooking to ensure it stays tender but firm.

• Neglecting seasoning – Not seasoning your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.

• Skipping the simmering step – Skipping the simmering process can result in a less developed flavor. Allow your soup to simmer so all ingredients meld beautifully.

• Using low-quality broth – A poor-quality chicken broth can dull the overall taste. Opt for a good brand or homemade broth for richer flavor.

• Ignoring ingredient freshness – Using wilted vegetables can impact both taste and texture. Always use fresh produce for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Easy Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also adjust spices based on your preference.

What is traditionally served with Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Crusty bread or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this hearty soup, enhancing its comforting qualities.

How do I store leftovers of Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is not just a flavorful dish; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on what you have on hand or explore different herbs and spices. With its comforting nature, this recipe is perfect for warming up any meal. Give it a try!