Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. This soup is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or enjoying on a chilly day. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it stand out, ensuring everyone will love every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep, you can have this delicious soup on the table in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of turkey bacon, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables creates a robust flavor that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use up any vegetables you have on hand to customize this soup to your family’s tastes.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for busy days when you need a quick meal.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with beans and veggies, this soup provides a filling and nutritious option for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: This tool is essential for even cooking and allows you to make enough soup for the whole family.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quicker and safer, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements enhance the flavor balance in your soup, making every bite satisfying.

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Ingredients

To make this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)

For the Vegetables

• 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 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)

For Additions

• 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)

To Serve

• grated parmesan (optional)
• chopped parsley (optional)

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 the crumbled Italian sausage, continuing to cook until both are nicely browned, about an additional 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into the pot. Cook until they start to soften, stirring occasionally for 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 into the pot, allowing it to deglaze by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook this mixture for about one minute.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth along with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine everything before bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat to low simmer; cover pot and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir uncooked Ditalini pasta into the soup. Cook uncovered for approximately ten minutes. Then stir through drained kidney beans and cannellini beans; continue simmering for another four–five minutes until pasta is tender but not overcooked. If needed, add more broth during cooking. Serve immediately topped with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.

How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some suggestions to complement this delicious meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A crisp green salad pairs well with the soup. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

With Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Guests can add it according to their taste, enhancing the soup’s richness.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds an exciting presentation and keeps the soup warm longer.

How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

To ensure your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly improve the taste of your soup. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference at different stages of cooking for the best flavor balance.

• Simmer longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Aim for at least 30 minutes if time permits.

• Cook pasta separately: If you plan on storing leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately. This prevents it from becoming mushy when reheating.

• Add greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complementing your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with some tasty side dishes can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with any soup; simply spread garlic butter on baguette slices and toast until golden.

2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, then roast them for a caramelized touch that enhances any meal.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices add heartiness without overshadowing the soup’s flavors.

5. Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons brings a delightful crunch alongside the soup’s warmth.

6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses provides variety and interest on your dinner table while enhancing the Italian theme.

7. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that complements the hearty flavors of your Pasta Fagioli Soup.

8. Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins are excellent for soaking up leftover broth while adding texture to your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be easy, but there are common mistakes that may affect the flavor and texture. Avoid these pitfalls for a delicious outcome.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking your vegetables too long can lead to mushy textures. Aim for a tender-crisp finish by sautéing them just until they start to soften.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Skipping seasoning can leave your soup bland. Remember to taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go, enhancing flavors throughout the cooking process.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can ruin the soup’s overall taste. Always opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality broth for the best results.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Each ingredient has its own cooking time. Follow the recipe closely, especially when adding pasta and beans, to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
• Failing to Deglaze Properly: Not scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot can waste flavor. Make sure to deglaze with vinegar or broth to incorporate those delicious morsels into your soup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as the soup freezes.

Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir regularly until heated through, adding broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup that many home cooks have.

Can I make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute turkey bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives such as mushrooms or lentils for added flavor.

How do I customize my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also swap out pasta shapes based on your preference.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any beans you have on hand, such as black beans or chickpeas, instead of kidney or cannellini beans.

What should I serve with Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences. With simple ingredient swaps and customization options, you can create a unique dish perfect for any occasion. Give it a try; your family will love it!