Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian dish that combines pasta and beans in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty family meal, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand. The unique flavor booster elevates this recipe to new heights, making it a go-to favorite that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this soup comes together in about an hour.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of sautéed vegetables and a parmesan rind adds depth, making each spoonful delightfully satisfying.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt the vegetables or beans based on what you have available or your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough to serve eight, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors are perfect for children, ensuring they’ll enjoy every bite.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup and ensuring all ingredients cook evenly.
- Immersion blender: Provides an easy way to blend the soup without transferring it to another container, saving time and cleanup.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Knife: Essential for preparing your ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 cup olive oil (divided. 1/4 cup for cooking, and 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.)
Main Components
- 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained)
- 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes (diced, drained)
- 1 quart water (cold)
- 1 quart beef broth
- parmesan rind
Pasta & Finishing 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 just translucent. Season with a sprinkle of salt as they cook.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften. Sprinkle with salt during this step.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, Water, Broth, Salt, and Pepper
Toss in diced tomatoes, drained beans, cold water, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer with Parmesan Rind
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat. Add the parmesan rind and allow it to simmer for 45–60 minutes to infuse flavors.
Step 5: Blend (Kind Of)
Remove the parmesan rind from the pot. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta in the Soup
Return the soup to a boil. Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Cook according to package instructions or about 10 minutes until al dente.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Turn off heat; add butter and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until melted through the hot soup.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. Drizzle with reserved olive oil and sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top before enjoying!
How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Homemade Garlic Breadsticks
- These warm, buttery breadsticks complement the soup beautifully and are perfect for dipping.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh flavor burst that brightens the dish.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavors of the soup.
Served with a Side Salad
- Pair this hearty soup with a crisp side salad to balance the meal and add freshness.
With Grated Cheese on Top
- Finish each bowl with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup
To ensure your Pasta e Fagioli Soup reaches its maximum potential, consider these helpful tips.
Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your soup will taste. Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth.
Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Taking your time to sauté onions and garlic until translucent builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Add salt in increments during cooking. This allows you to control the flavor without over-salting.
Simmer Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps deepen the flavors. Don’t rush this step!
Blend Carefully: If using an immersion blender, blend just enough to maintain some texture in the soup, rather than turning it completely smooth.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup pairs well with several side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent choices:
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing provides a crunchy contrast to the soft soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add sweetness and depth, making them a nutritious companion.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a refreshing appetizer before diving into your soup.
Stuffed Peppers: A filling option that complements the soup’s heartiness while adding variety to your meal.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that pairs perfectly.
Cheesy Flatbread: Warm flatbreads topped with melted cheese offer a delightful way to soak up every last drop of delicious soup.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers add freshness and color to your table.
Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy, zucchini noodles can be served alongside or even swirled into the soup for added texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish.
- Bold seasoning: Many cooks forget to season at each step. Add salt gradually for better flavor integration.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you cook pasta too long in the soup, it becomes mushy. Cook it just until al dente for the best texture.
- Ignoring the broth quality: A bland broth leads to a dull soup. Use a flavorful beef broth or homemade stock for depth.
- Skipping the blending step: Not blending part of the soup can result in an unbalanced texture. Blend until creamy but still chunky for ideal consistency.
- Neglecting fresh toppings: Without fresh garnishes, your soup may lack brightness. Always finish with fresh herbs or cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Oven: Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Pasta e Fagioli Soup, read on!
What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a traditional Italian dish that combines pasta and beans in a hearty broth. It’s comforting and packed with flavor.
How do I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
You can add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. You may also swap out beans based on your preference or what you have available.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat ingredients.
How long does Pasta e Fagioli Soup last?
When stored properly, it lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It allows you to play with ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Whether served as a cozy dinner or enjoyed as leftovers, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it!
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a warm and comforting Italian classic that combines tender pasta with hearty beans in a rich broth, perfect for chilly nights or as a nourishing family meal. This easy-to-follow recipe showcases a delightful blend of sautéed vegetables, aromatic herbs, and optional cheese, ensuring each bowl is packed with flavor. Ideal for meal prep, this soup is not only satisfying but also adaptable to your pantry staples, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Enjoy the creamy texture and robust taste that will quickly become a favorite at your dining table.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil (divided)
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup carrot (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 cup potato (diced)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained)
- 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes (diced, drained)
- 1 quart water (cold)
- 1 quart beef broth
- parmesan rind
- 8 ounces pasta (ditallini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, cold water, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer with the parmesan rind for 45–60 minutes.
- Remove the parmesan rind and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for desired consistency.
- Add uncooked pasta directly to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Turn off heat; stir in butter and grated parmesan cheese until melted through.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of reserved olive oil and additional parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg