Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

The Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings the beloved Olive Garden favorite right into your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a comforting bowl on chilly evenings, this soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Featuring hearty beans, savory broth, and tender pasta, it’s both filling and satisfying. With simple preparation steps, you can whip up this classic dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious soup ready to serve.
• Flavorful Comfort: This recipe is packed with rich flavors that warm the soul.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite beans or pasta types to suit your tastes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a family or serving at gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for simmering soups; it allows ample space for ingredients to combine beautifully.
• Cutting board: Essential for safely chopping vegetables, ensuring clean cuts and easy clean-up.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to balanced flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 lb of Italian sausage with no casing (I prefer it spicy!)
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 2 large sliced carrots
• 3 stalks of thinly sliced celery
• 5 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 32 oz. container of low sodium beef broth
• 1 cup of water
• 2 Tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 32 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce (I used Rao’s)
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp minced fresh basil
• 1 bay leaf

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (season to taste)

For the Beans and Pasta

• 1 16 oz can of red beans
• 1 16 oz can of cannellini beans
• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta

For Garnish

• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh minced parsley

How to Make Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large pot over medium-high heat, crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook while stirring until fully cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and thinly sliced celery. Sauté over medium-high heat until tender. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add Broth and Sauces

Pour in the low sodium beef broth along with tomato paste, marinara sauce, granulated sugar, minced basil, oregano, and thyme. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans and Pasta

Add dry ditalini pasta along with water, kidney beans, and cannellini beans into the soup. Cook on low until pasta is al dente (about 5 more minutes).

Step 6: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm in bowls topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley sprinkled over each serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is an opportunity to impress your family and friends. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and presentation.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle minced parsley on top for a vibrant touch.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Offer garlic breadsticks for a delicious complement.

Add Cheese

• Parmesan Shavings: Grate fresh parmesan over the soup for a rich flavor.
• Mozzarella Balls: Toss in small mozzarella balls for added creaminess.

How to Perfect Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Creating the perfect pasta fagioli requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Sauté vegetables until golden brown to enhance their sweetness.
• Choice of Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness and flavor depth.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta separately if you prefer a firmer texture in your soup.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning as you go for balanced flavors.
• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving; flavors deepen as it cools slightly.

Best Side Dishes for Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your pasta fagioli can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add freshness and color.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a healthy, flavorful addition.
4. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, cheeses, and cured meats offer diverse tastes.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make a filling complement.
6. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes add a deliciously smooth texture alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe from good to great.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables first enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for a rich taste.
• Using too much salt early: Adding all the salt at once can make the soup too salty. Season gradually and adjust at the end for best results.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: A brief simmer means flavors won’t meld well. Allow it to simmer for at least 10 minutes to develop depth.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta directly in the soup can lead to mushiness. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from heat.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can drastically improve flavor. Don’t skip them; add them towards the end of cooking for maximum freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding our Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe.

Can I use different types of beans?

You can substitute any beans you prefer! Popular options include black beans or pinto beans that will still complement the flavors well.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of this delicious soup.

What type of pasta works best?

Ditalini is traditional, but you can use any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells that will fit nicely in each spoonful.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better when made ahead as the flavors have more time to develop. Just store it properly!

Final Thoughts

This Semi-Homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe captures the essence of comfort food while being easy to customize. Whether you want to add additional vegetables or adjust spices, it’s versatile enough for any taste preference. Try making it today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal!