Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delicious blend of flavors that warms the soul. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in. The rich tomato broth combined with lean protein, beans, and vegetables makes it not just comforting but also nutritious. This dish stands out with its vibrant ingredients and classic Italian herbs, ensuring a delightful eating experience that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Main Ingredients
• For Garnish
• How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Cook the Sausage
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Cook the Pasta
• Step 6: Final Touches
• Step 7: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• With Crusty Bread
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Cheese
• With a Salad
• Garnished with Chili Flakes
• In a Bread Bowl
• How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
• How do I customize Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• What type of pasta works best in Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 40 minutes from prep to table, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with beans and vegetables, it offers a satisfying meal that nourishes your body.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or batch cooking.
• Family-Friendly: Its mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a hit at any dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps in chopping vegetables quickly and safely, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is packed with lean protein, tender vegetables, savory herbs, and two types of beans in a rich tomato broth. It’s comforting, filling, and brimming with classic Italian flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound mild or spicy ground turkey or chicken sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 medium celery ribs, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 cup (4 oz) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes while breaking it apart as it browns.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for about 6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat before reducing to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the pasta and simmer for 9–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove and discard bay leaves. Take the soup off heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve hot garnished with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that enhances its comforting nature. This soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making every bowl feel special and inviting.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: Serve thick slices of crusty sourdough or baguette for dipping. The bread absorbs the flavorful broth beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Basil: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving for an aromatic touch that brightens the flavor.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: Offer extra grated Parmesan at the table for guests to sprinkle on their soup, adding richness and depth.

With a Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the heartiness of the soup, providing a crisp contrast.

Garnished with Chili Flakes

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, provide crushed red pepper flakes as an optional garnish to spice up each bowl.

In a Bread Bowl

• Edible Bowls: Serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and interactive dining experience, perfect for gatherings.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Don’t hesitate to add extra salt or herbs for more flavor.
• Use quality broth: Opt for a good-quality low-sodium chicken broth. It forms the base of your soup and greatly influences its taste.
• Cook pasta separately: If you prefer a less thick soup, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. This way, it won’t absorb too much liquid.
• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a while enhances the flavors as they meld together. It’s even better the next day!
• Add greens: Incorporate fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for variety, such as black beans or pinto beans, while keeping the classic essence intact.

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Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery garlic bread serves as a perfect companion, ideal for soaking up every drop of soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and flavor, balancing out the rich taste of the fagioli.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls with cherry tomatoes and basil drizzled in balsamic glaze make for a refreshing appetizer.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety and excitement before the main dish.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds a burst of freshness that pairs well with hearty soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional nutrients while enhancing your dining experience with their caramelized flavors.
7. Focaccia Bread: Soft and flavorful focaccia is perfect for mopping up leftover broth from your bowl.
8. Stuffed Peppers: These can serve as a filling side dish that complements the flavors in your soup beautifully while providing additional protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that you should steer clear of.

• Using low-quality ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and quality broth for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Pasta can become mushy if overcooked. Add it towards the end of cooking to keep it al dente.
• Skipping seasonings: Don’t underestimate the importance of herbs and spices. They add depth to your soup, so be generous with them.
• Not adjusting consistency: If your soup is too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth or water. Adjusting consistency is crucial for a delightful texture.
• Ignoring leftovers: Soups often taste better the next day, so enjoy your leftovers! Store them properly to maintain flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover it, and heat for about 20 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty dish made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and savory herbs in a rich tomato broth.

Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute meat with more beans or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add different vegetables like zucchini or spinach. You can also vary the type of beans used based on personal preference.

What type of pasta works best in Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Short pasta varieties like elbow macaroni or ditalini work best as they hold up well during cooking and enhance the soup’s texture.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is both comforting and versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and allows for customization based on your taste preferences. Try it out today and enjoy a bowl full of warmth!

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