Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting and flavorful Italian dish that combines pasta and beans in a savory broth. This soup is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to meal prep for the week. With its simple ingredients and a secret flavor booster, this recipe is sure to become your go-to favorite. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and can easily be customized to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This Pasta e Fagioli Soup comes together quickly with minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed – The unique combination of ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients – Utilizes pantry staples and common vegetables, meaning you can whip it up anytime you have a craving.
• Family Friendly – Both kids and adults love this hearty soup, making it an ideal choice for family meals.
• Perfect for Leftovers – This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your enjoyment as you create this delightful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Immersion blender (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot – Essential for simmering the soup evenly without splatter.
• Cutting board & Chef’s knife – Helps you efficiently chop vegetables and prepare ingredients with ease.
• Immersion blender – Makes blending part of the soup a breeze without needing to transfer hot liquid to another container.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

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

For the Final Touches

• 8 ounces pasta (ditallini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated; divided: 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

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Season with a sprinkle of salt during this step.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened. Remember to add another sprinkle of salt as they cook.

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

Toss in the diced tomatoes, drained beans, cold water, beef broth, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer with Parmesan Rind

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

Step 5: Blend (Kind Of)

Remove the rind from the soup. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta in the Soup

Return to a boil and add uncooked pasta. Cook according to package instructions—about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once cooked, turn off heat. Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted throughout.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls. Drizzle with reserved olive oil and sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over top. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Serve it in a way that enhances its flavors and makes your dining occasion special. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your soup.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and flavor. Chop finely and sprinkle over the soup just before serving.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top adds richness and depth, enhancing the overall taste.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread or homemade garlic breadsticks for dipping. This balances the soup’s flavors perfectly.

Add a Kick with Red Pepper Flakes

• If you enjoy spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick that complements the savory elements of the soup.

Accompany with Cheese

• Serve alongside a small bowl of grated Parmesan cheese for guests to add as they like, which will add creaminess and umami flavor.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Pasta e Fagioli Soup can make all the difference in achieving a delicious dish. Here are some tips to help you get it just right.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for a richer flavor profile.
• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic to develop their sweetness.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Add salt bit by bit during cooking to avoid over-seasoning.
• Blend Thoughtfully: Only partially blend the soup for texture; leave some chunks for heartiness.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure pasta is slightly firm when cooked in the soup for the best texture.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement this hearty soup wonderfully.

1. Garlic Breadsticks
   Deliciously soft breadsticks infused with garlic flavor make perfect companions for dipping.

2. Mixed Green Salad
   A fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds crunch and balances the warmth of the soup.

3. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a refreshing contrast in texture and taste.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Baked mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs provide an earthy flavor that pairs well with the soup.

5. Caprese Skewers
   Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers create a delightful finger food option that’s refreshing.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned simply bring out their natural sweetness and enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile.

7. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta served on the side offers comfort and pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the soup.

8. Antipasto Platter
   A selection of olives, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and artichokes adds variety and excitement to your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta e Fagioli Soup, avoiding common pitfalls will elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning at each step can lead to bland soup. Sprinkle salt as you cook vegetables to build flavor.
• Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables too large or small can affect cooking time. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Overcooking pasta: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Add it towards the end and cook just until al dente.
• Skipping broth quality: Using low-quality broth can dull the flavor of your soup. Choose a rich beef broth or homemade stock for the best taste.
• Neglecting texture: Blending too much can turn your soup into a puree. Blend just enough to maintain some chunky texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta e Fagioli Soup:

What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans, typically seasoned with vegetables and herbs.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or beans according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

How long does it take to make Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 60 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking time.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, Pasta e Fagioli Soup is packed with fiber from beans and nutritious vegetables while being relatively low in calories.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it uniquely yours!