Classic Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a classic Italian comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. This delicious and hearty soup combines tender pasta, wholesome beans, and flavorful chicken sausage, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish delivers rich flavors and comforting textures in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, Pasta e Fagioli offers a great source of protein and fiber.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a light lunch or serve as a main course for dinner; it’s suitable for any appetite.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of savory chicken sausage and fresh herbs creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap the pasta type to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Classic Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything is prepared perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

For this Classic Pasta e Fagioli, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground chicken sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 4 medium carrots (finely diced)
• 4 medium celery ribs (finely diced)
• 5 teaspoons minced garlic (about 5 cloves)

For the Liquid Components

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15 ounce cans) diced tomatoes

For the Beans

• 1 (15 ounce can) red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15 ounce can) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Pasta and Garnish

• 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Classic Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in the ground chicken sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up, cooking until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Dice the yellow onion, carrots, and celery into similarly sized pieces. Add these vegetables to the pot with the sausage. Cook until softened, about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Rinse and drain both cans of beans to remove extra starch before adding them to the pot. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring everything to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add ditalini pasta to the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until pasta is al dente, about 7 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and additional salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy your Classic Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Classic Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Classic Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. Consider these serving suggestions to enhance your dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette on the side for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Add a flavorful twist with garlic bread, which complements the dish beautifully.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh Basil: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a lovely green contrast to the hearty soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Offer grated Parmesan cheese as a topping for added richness and flavor.
• Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, provide shredded vegan cheese that melts well.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crispness that balances the soup’s heartiness.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens add freshness and texture to your meal.

How to Perfect Classic Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Classic Pasta e Fagioli even better, follow these simple tips. They will enhance flavor and ensure perfect texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; every palate is different!
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook the ditalini pasta separately and add it right before serving to avoid mushiness.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
• Make Ahead: Prepare your soup ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Classic Pasta e Fagioli can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds freshness.
2. Caprese Salad: Layers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil bring brightness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables provide a hearty complement to the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa add substance and flavor diversity.
5. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables makes an excellent starter.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful dish, but common mistakes can hinder its deliciousness. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold Ingredients: Using the wrong type of beans can impact flavor and texture. Always opt for high-quality canned beans or dried beans that have been properly prepared.
• Bold Overcooking Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can lead to mushy results. Aim for al dente pasta, as it will continue cooking in the soup after you remove it from heat.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can make your dish bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process to enhance flavors.
• Bold Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrancy and freshness. Don’t skip adding them at the end; they significantly elevate the dish’s flavor.
• Bold Incorrect Storage: Improper storage can affect freshness. Ensure you store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain taste and prevent spoilage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Classic Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Classic Pasta e Fagioli

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Classic Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring halfway through for even heating, typically about 3-5 minutes depending on the portion size.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Classic Pasta e Fagioli.

Can I use different types of beans in Classic Pasta e Fagioli?

Yes! While kidney and cannellini beans are traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like pinto or black beans.

What kind of pasta is best for Classic Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is commonly used, but you could substitute small shapes like elbow macaroni or shells if desired.

How do I make Classic Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth while keeping all other ingredients the same.

Can I prepare Classic Pasta e Fagioli in advance?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting for a day, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

What side dishes pair well with Classic Pasta e Fagioli?

A fresh garden salad or crusty bread works beautifully alongside this hearty soup, enhancing your meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Classic Pasta e Fagioli is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or beans based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!