Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe, a classic Italian dish that brings together tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and savory vegetables in a flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings and versatile enough for various occasions. Its nourishing ingredients make it a soul-satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of beans, pasta, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful taste that warms the heart.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty main dish or as a starter. Customize with your favorite toppings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from beans and vegetables, this soup is a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup, having the right tools is essential. Here are some helpful kitchen tools you will need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and holding all ingredients comfortably.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work easier by allowing precise cuts on vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot while ensuring even cooking.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- Cannellini Beans (1 can, about 15 oz, rinsed and drained if canned)
- Small Pasta (such as ditalini) – 3/4 cup
- Carrots – 2 medium, finely chopped
- Celery Stalks – 2, finely chopped
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained
For the Broth and Seasoning
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – 4 cups
- Fresh Rosemary – 1 sprig
- Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
Optional Garnish
- Parmesan Cheese (optional) – as desired
How to Make Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the onions, carrots, and celery finely.
- Mince the garlic.
- If using canned cannellini beans, rinse and drain them. Having all ingredients ready will make cooking smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice).
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Pasta
- Add cannellini beans, fresh rosemary sprig, and pasta to the simmering soup.
- Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender but holds its shape.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Remove the rosemary sprig from the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
- Drizzle olive oil on top before serving warm.
Enjoy your warm bowl of Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup!
How to Serve Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Serving Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup is an opportunity to make your meal feel special. This delightful soup can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its comforting nature while catering to different tastes.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves – Add whole basil leaves for a fragrant touch that complements the soup’s richness.
With Grains or Bread
- Crusty Bread – Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the overall experience.
- Garlic Bread – Pair with garlic bread for a savory addition that complements the soup’s flavors.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan – Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess and umami.
- Feta Crumbles – For a tangy twist, sprinkle feta cheese over the soup before serving.
With a Side Salad
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup perfectly.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and rich flavors alongside the soup.
How to Perfect Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Perfecting your Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate it to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs significantly enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta – Keep pasta al dente; it will continue cooking slightly in the hot soup after being served.
- Experiment with Broth Types – Try using different broths (vegetable or chicken) for varied flavors.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – Quick to prepare by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices of bread, then baking until golden.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds depth and nutrition to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a filling complement that works well with soup.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad with veggies makes a delightful pairing, offering contrasting textures.
- Cheesy Polenta – Creamy polenta topped with cheese complements the soup’s heartiness beautifully.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins can add a nice touch of sweetness next to savory flavors.
- Olive Tapenade Spread – Serve on crackers or bread as an appetizer that features Mediterranean flavors before the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping Ingredient Prep: Not prepping your ingredients beforehand can lead to chaotic cooking. Take time to chop vegetables and measure out your ingredients for a smoother experience.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can result in mushy noodles. Add it during the last 8-10 minutes of simmering to keep it al dente.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning your soup can make it bland. Taste the soup before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for enhanced flavor.
- Not Using Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs lack the vibrant flavor of fresh ones. Use fresh rosemary and parsley for a more aromatic and flavorful soup.
- Forgetting Texture: Aiming for a uniform texture can make your soup feel dull. Keep some beans whole while mashing others slightly for a creamier base while still enjoying bites of whole beans.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.
Freezing Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Duration: Freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Reheating Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe that might help you.
How can I customize my Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?
You can add different vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or switch up the beans with kidney beans for varied flavors.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best as they hold onto the broth nicely.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! The Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
The Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is a heartwarming dish ideal for chilly nights. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it perfect for families or gatherings. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences!
Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a heartwarming Italian classic that combines tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this nourishing soup is not only quick to prepare but also makes for excellent leftovers. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your soul. This versatile dish can be customized with your favorite herbs and toppings, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) Cannellini Beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup Small Pasta (like ditalini)
- 2 medium Carrots, finely chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth
- 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by chopping onions, carrots, celery, and mincing garlic. Rinse and drain the cannellini beans.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cannellini beans, rosemary sprig, and pasta; simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the rosemary sprig. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg