This Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of beans, vegetables, and pasta that brings warmth to any meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners and entertaining alike, this hearty Italian soup offers a comforting dish that is simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and fresh vegetables, this soup is nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, this soup is easy on the wallet while delivering great taste.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the entire soup without spills or mess.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables quickly.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work faster and safer.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting soup, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, quartered and sliced
For the Soup Mix
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Liquid
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
For the Pasta
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
How to Make Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft and fragrant, about 5–6 minutes.
Step 2: Add Beans and Sauce
Add cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil over high heat while stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Stir in ditalini pasta once boiling. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until pasta is al dente, which takes about 6–7 minutes. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 5: Final Touches
Adjust seasoning according to taste if needed. Serve hot with optional grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top alongside crusty bread for dipping.
How to Serve Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
This hearty Pasta Fagioli soup is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for a fragrant touch that complements the soup’s flavors.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of crusty baguette, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Topped with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want to add a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Vegan Cheese: Provide a vegan cheese option for those who prefer a plant-based alternative.
How to Perfect Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
To make the best Pasta Fagioli soup, consider these helpful tips. Each one will ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality broth to enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust herbs and spices based on your personal preference for a customized flavor profile.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For a heartier texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for 15-20 minutes after cooking can deepen the flavors even more.
- Freeze Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat when ready to enjoy again!
Best Side Dishes for Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a flavorful complement and additional nutrients.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa can be a hearty addition to your meal.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes a comforting side that pairs well with the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers create a vibrant appetizer spread.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the robust flavors of the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil creates a refreshing starter that complements your meal beautifully.
- Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia bread brushed with olive oil and herbs is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious soup!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong beans: Opt for cannellini or great northern beans for the best texture. Avoid using kidney beans, which can alter the flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Ditalini should be cooked al dente. If overcooked, it will become mushy in the soup. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust seasonings based on your preference to enhance flavors.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Letting the soup simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully. A quick boil won’t give you that rich taste.
- Ignoring fresh herbs: While dried herbs work well, adding fresh basil or parsley at the end can elevate your soup’s aroma and flavor significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe:
What makes this the best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?
This recipe combines hearty beans, flavorful vegetables, and savory herbs, creating a comforting dish everyone loves.
Can I make this Pasta Fagioli Soup vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it excludes any animal-derived ingredients and uses vegetable broth.
How can I customize my Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
How long does this soup last?
The Best Pasta Fagioli Soup can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen properly.
Final Thoughts
The Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable and budget-friendly. You can customize it with different vegetables or pasta types based on your preference. Give this hearty soup a try for a comforting meal that’s perfect any night of the week!
Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Experience the warmth of our Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, a delightful Italian classic that combines nutritious beans, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta. This comforting soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, offering a budget-friendly option packed with flavor. With its quick preparation time of just 35 minutes, you can effortlessly whip up a delicious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet. Customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand for a truly personalized dish. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy night in or at a gathering with friends, this Pasta Fagioli soup is sure to become a cherished favorite.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, quartered and sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots until soft (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth and water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and reduce heat to simmer for 6–7 minutes until pasta is al dente. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Adjust seasoning as desired and enjoy hot with optional toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg