This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this soup is not only filling but also rich in umami flavor. With its blend of spicy sausage, beans, and pasta, it stands out as a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a depth of flavor that’s satisfying and delicious.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or appetizer—it’s great for any occasion!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beans and sausage, it’s a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you create this delicious meal without any hassle.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly while allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
For this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Liquid and Beans
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
For the Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, but highly recommended)
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the spicy Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Once the sausage is cooked, add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, red kidney beans, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, remove the Parmesan rind before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli!
How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty dish that warms the heart and soul. It’s delicious on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate the meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked bread or a crusty baguette pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth.
Add a Side Salad
- A light garden salad with a vinaigrette complements the robust flavors of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Serve with Cheese
- Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side so guests can add as much as they like for a cheesy finish.
Include Extra Red Pepper Flakes
- For those who enjoy more heat, serve extra red pepper flakes on the side to customize their spice level.
How to Perfect Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
To ensure your Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
Brown the sausage well: Ensure you brown the spicy Italian sausage thoroughly for a richer flavor base in your soup.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook ditalini pasta al dente in the soup; it will continue cooking slightly after being removed from heat.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed to match your preference.
Let it sit: Allowing the soup to sit for 10–15 minutes before serving helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with your Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your soup and adds an aromatic touch.Caprese Salad
This simple salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a light contrast to the rich pasta dish.Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and flavors that complement the dish wonderfully.Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds texture and balances out the heartiness of your meal.Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide an extra layer of flavor and make for a filling side option.Grilled Zucchini
Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini enhances your meal’s vegetable intake while keeping things simple and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture of your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using low-quality sausage: Low-quality sausage can lead to a bland dish. Choose a spicy Italian sausage with robust flavors for the best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and ruins the dish’s texture. Add the pasta towards the end of cooking and follow package instructions for al dente.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season properly can leave your soup lacking depth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs throughout the cooking process.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs elevate flavor significantly. Don’t skip garnishing with fresh parsley or basil; it adds freshness and color.
- Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality or overly salty broth can overpower your soup. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth or homemade version for balanced flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute spicy Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option while maintaining flavor.
How do I make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli, simply omit the sausage and add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
What can I serve with this dish?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, a green salad, or garlic bread for dipping.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. Omit them altogether for a milder soup.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful blend of flavors that warms your soul. With its rich umami taste and customizable options, you can create your perfect bowl every time. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at dinner parties, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs or vegetables as you make it your own!
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli, a heartwarming dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table. This delightful recipe features tender pasta, hearty beans, and savory chicken sausage simmered in rich tomato broth, making it a perfect choice for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Packed with protein and customizable to suit your taste, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to become a favorite. Serve it warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a nourishing meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (chicken or turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the spicy Italian sausage until browned. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, red kidney beans, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and add ditalini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg