Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for chilly days and is freezer-friendly, making it an ideal choice for families looking to enjoy a hearty dinner. Packed with flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup will quickly become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Warming: This Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time! It freezes well, allowing you to enjoy it on busy nights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: With a blend of spices and hearty vegetables, every bite is filled with rich flavor.
- Nutritious: Loaded with beans and fresh vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside your favorite bread for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and browning meats, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop veggies, making prep quick and easy.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
- 5 medium celery stalks (diced (about 1 ½ cups))
- 2 small-medium onions (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
For Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup red apple vinegar (or more broth)
For the Soup
- 1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)
- 5 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Heartiness
- 1 cup dry Ditalini pasta
- 1 (15-oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15-oz) can white cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
Optional Toppings
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Turkey Bacon and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Then add in the sausage, continuing to cook until browned as well, about another 4–5 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into the pot. Cook them until they start to soften, which should take about 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: Season and Deglaze
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly distributed. Pour in the red apple vinegar while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for about one minute.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Add in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine everything before bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans
Stir in uncooked Ditalini pasta into the soup. Cook uncovered for about ten minutes. Add in drained beans afterward and continue simmering for another four–five minutes until pasta is cooked through. If necessary, stir in more broth during cooking time. Serve hot with optional parmesan cheese and parsley on top! Refrigerate any leftovers for up to three days.
How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Serving your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for added flavor and crunch.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil leaves to enhance the aromatic profile of the soup.
Topped with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Offer grated parmesan for guests who want a cheesy finish.
- Vegan Cheese Alternative: For a dairy-free option, provide a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs nicely and adds a crunchy texture.
- Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens can balance the heartiness of the soup.
How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your liking.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For a firmer pasta texture, cook Ditalini separately and add it just before serving.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few hours or overnight; flavors develop beautifully over time.
- Freeze Leftovers: Portion out leftovers in airtight containers for quick meals later on.
- Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans for varied textures and flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots are perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad made with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella complements the soup’s richness.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds a refreshing crunch alongside the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make a hearty addition to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables enhance nutrition while adding vibrant flavors to your plate.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta with cheese brings warmth and comfort that pairs well with the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the Turkey Bacon and sausage properly can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to cook them until they are nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they start to soften, ensuring they retain some crunch.
Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor-quality broth can ruin your soup’s taste. Always opt for a good quality chicken broth or make your own for richer flavor.
Adding Pasta Too Early: If you add the pasta too soon, it can become overcooked and soggy. Wait until the soup is nearly finished before stirring in the Ditalini pasta.
Not Adjusting Seasonings: After cooking, tasting your soup is crucial. Adjusting salt, pepper, and other seasonings at the end ensures a perfectly seasoned dish.
Ignoring Leftovers Storage: Failing to store leftovers properly may lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.
Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container because the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until hot, about 20–30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add extra broth if needed for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup:
What is Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a filling Italian-inspired soup made with beans, vegetables, and pasta simmered in a savory broth. It’s perfect for cold days!
Can I customize my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or substitute beans based on your preference.
How do I store leftover Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is there a vegetarian version of Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Yes! You can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth along with plant-based gelling agents if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or beans—make it your own!
Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Warm up with this delightful Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, a comforting and nourishing dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with hearty vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a savory broth, this recipe is not only delicious but also family-friendly and freezer-ready for those busy nights. Each spoonful offers a rich blend of flavors that will surely become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy it as a filling main course or pair it with crusty bread for an even more satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (or alternative)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
- 5 medium celery stalks (diced (about 1 ½ cups))
- 2 small-medium onions (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup red apple vinegar (or more broth)
- 1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)
- 5 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup dry Ditalini pasta
- 1 (15-oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15-oz) can white cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced turkey bacon and brown for 3–4 minutes, then add crumbled Italian sausage until browned (4–5 minutes).
- Stir in chopped carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic; sauté until softened (4–5 minutes).
- Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Deglaze with red apple vinegar while scraping the pot's bottom.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer and cover for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir in Ditalini pasta; cook uncovered for about 10 minutes before adding drained beans. Simmer for another 4–5 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg