Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Hearty pasta e fagioli soup recipe is the perfect comfort dish for any occasion. This traditional Italian soup combines nutritious beans, vegetables, and pasta to create a filling and flavorful meal. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this pasta e fagioli soup recipe will surely impress. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a main course or a starter, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to make.
• Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a healthy option that provides essential nutrients and fiber.
• Flavorful: The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a rich and hearty flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Perfect for any season, this soup can be enjoyed hot in winter or as a light meal in warmer months.
• Makes Great Leftovers: The flavors deepen after sitting, making it excellent for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully prepare your pasta e fagioli soup recipe, having the right tools is essential. Here are the key tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for browning meat and simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of onions, carrots, and celery.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced white or yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped peeled carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ tablespoons dried sweet basil

For the Vegetables and Beans

• 2-14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounce can Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)

For Flavoring

• 2 ½ cups V-8 juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• parmesan rind (optional)

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces dry ditali pasta

Optional Toppings

• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until fully cooked.

Step 2: Drain Grease

After browning, drain most of the grease from the pot before returning the beef back into it.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Add in the diced onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they soften, which should take about 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Stir in the Italian seasoning and dried sweet basil. Let them cook for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red kidney beans, Great Northern beans, V-8 juice, salt, pepper, and parmesan rind if using. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 50 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

While the soup is simmering, cook the ditali pasta in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente.

Step 8: Combine Pasta with Soup

Once cooked, stir the drained pasta into the soup. Let it cook together for an additional 5 minutes so everything warms through.

Step 9: Serve

Remove the parmesan rind before serving if used. Top each bowl with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious pasta e fagioli soup!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pasta e fagioli soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, consider these serving suggestions to complement the hearty flavors of this soup.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of freshly baked baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor and pairs perfectly with the soup’s richness.

Topped with Greens

• Fresh Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of freshness.
• Spinach or Kale: Add wilted spinach or kale to increase the nutritional value and add color.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top for added creaminess.
• Mozzarella Balls: Include small mozzarella balls for a delightful, chewy texture.

With a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and complements the soup’s flavors.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette balances the meal nicely.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect pasta e fagioli soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Adjust seasoning according to your taste. More Italian herbs can enhance flavor.
• Quality ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality canned beans and tomatoes for better taste.
• Simmer longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Pasta timing: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Garnish wisely: Use freshly chopped herbs or cheese as garnish for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your pasta e fagioli soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic and herbs make a tasty addition.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a refreshing contrast.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables offer a satisfying bite alongside the soup.
4. Ratatouille: This vegetable medley adds layers of flavor and nutrition that complement the soup well.
5. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds depth and balance to your meal.
6. Pesto Flatbread: Flatbread topped with pesto provides a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the vegetables before adding them can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always take time to soften your onions, carrots, and celery first.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has its own flavor profile. Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasonings accordingly for the best results.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta directly in the soup can lead to mushiness. Cook it separately until al dente, then combine it at the end.

• Not using quality broth or juice: A good quality broth or juice is crucial for a robust flavor. Opt for low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.

• Forgetting about optional ingredients: Ingredients like parmesan rind or grated cheese can enhance the depth of flavor. Don’t skip them if you have them on hand!

• Not allowing enough simmer time: Quick cooking might save time but will sacrifice flavor. Letting your soup simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating until warm.

• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe that might help clarify any doubts.

What makes this Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe unique?

This recipe features lean ground beef and a variety of beans, making it hearty and filling without using traditional pork ingredients.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables, use different types of beans, or even incorporate whole grain pasta for added nutrition.

How long does this Pasta e Fagioli Soup last?

When stored properly, this soup can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

What is the best way to serve this soup?

Serve hot with grated parmesan on top and crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it based on what you have at home or your personal tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!