Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian classic that combines the hearty flavors of pasta and beans in a delicious, warming broth. This soup is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to serving guests at a gathering. With its unique flavor booster, this recipe elevates simplicity into something extraordinary, making it a family favorite. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of this delightful soup that’s as nourishing as it is tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup even on busy nights.
• Flavorful: The secret flavor booster adds depth and richness, making every spoonful satisfying and delightful.
• Versatile: Suitable for different occasions, this soup can be served as a starter or a main dish, paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Nutritious: Packed with beans and vegetables, it’s not only filling but also loaded with nutrients to keep you energized.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy the comforting taste of Pasta e Fagioli, ensuring seconds are always requested.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Immersion blender (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients without spills.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and helps in mixing flavors thoroughly.
• Immersion blender: A convenient tool for achieving your desired soup consistency without transferring hot liquids to a blender.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil (divided; 1/4 cup for cooking, 1/4 cup reserved for serving)
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Vegetables

• 1 cup carrot (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 1 cup potato (diced)

Beans and Broth

• 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained)
• 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes (diced, drained)
• 1 quart cold water
• 1 quart beef broth

Seasoning and Finish

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (to be sprinkled during cooking)
• Parmesan rind
• 8 ounces pasta (ditallini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated; 1/4 cup for cooking, 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 while they sauté to build flavor.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes or until softened. Again, season lightly with salt during this step.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, Water & Broth

Toss in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, cold water, beef broth, remaining salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer with Parmesan Rind

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat afterward and add the Parmesan rind. Simmer gently for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Blend (Kind Of)

Remove the Parmesan rind from the pot. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a creamy texture while leaving some chunks intact.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta in the Soup

Bring the soup back up to a boil. Add uncooked pasta into the pot and cook according to package directions—approximately 10 minutes until al dente.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat before adding butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until melted into the warm soup.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with reserved olive oil and top with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will take your soup to the next level.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley or Basil: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.

Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of good quality olive oil adds richness and depth to each bowl.

Serve with Grated Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle over their soup according to their preference.

Accompany with Breadsticks

• Homemade Garlic Breadsticks: Pair your soup with homemade garlic breadsticks for a satisfying crunch and flavor contrast.

Pair with a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the hearty soup nicely.

Enjoy with a Side of Crusty Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread for dipping and mopping up leftover soup.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Pasta e Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, seasonal vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant.
• Cook Low and Slow: Allow the soup to simmer longer for richer flavors. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different bean varieties like kidney or black beans for unique tastes and textures.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Season in stages during cooking. This helps build layers of flavor rather than overwhelming the dish at once.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its hearty profile. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter adds a crunchy texture perfect for dipping.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
3. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses offers a flavorful appetizer before the main course.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide an earthy taste that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a filling side that complements the soup well.
6. Crispy Polenta Fries: Golden polenta sticks add a delightful crunch alongside your comforting bowl of soup.
7. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini offer both texture and taste that go hand-in-hand with pasta fagioli.
8. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette creates a healthy balance against the hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning your soup at each step can lead to blandness. Always sprinkle salt and pepper during cooking to build layers of flavor.
• Bold vegetable choice: Using vegetables that don’t blend well can change the soup’s texture. Stick to carrots, celery, and potatoes for the best results.
• Bold broth selection: Skipping quality broth can diminish taste. Opt for a rich beef broth or homemade stock for a deeper flavor.
• Bold pasta timing: Overcooking pasta will make it mushy. Add pasta towards the end of cooking to ensure it maintains its shape and texture.
• Bold blending technique: Blending too much can turn your soup into a puree. Blend only partially for a creamy yet chunky consistency.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Pasta e Fagioli Soup is best consumed within 3-4 days.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months; label with the date.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta e Fagioli Soup:

What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian dish made with pasta, beans, and various vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or substitute beans based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with flavors!

How do I store leftover Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for later use.

What type of beans are best for Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Cannellini beans are traditional, but you may also use kidney beans or navy beans based on your taste.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Adjust it according to your preferences by adding more vegetables or different types of pasta. Give this recipe a try, and it might become your family’s favorite!