Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe With Hearty Beans And Pasta

Name: Pasta E Fagioli Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); – 1 pound ground beef (about 450 grams); – 1.5 cups chopped yellow onion; – 1 cup diced carrots; – 1 cup diced celery; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 3 cans tomato sauce (each 8 ounces or approximately 227 grams); – 2 cans low-sodium chicken broth (each 14.5 ounces or about 411 grams); – 0.5 cup water; – 1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounces or roughly 425 grams); – 2 teaspoons sugar; – 1.5 teaspoons dried basil; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1 teaspoon dried thyme; – 0.75 teaspoon dried marjoram; – Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; – 1 cup dry ditalini pasta; – 1 can dark red kidney beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed); – 1 can great northern beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed); – 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced (for garnish); – Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Picture a warm bowl of Pasta E Fagioli Soup on your table during a busy weeknight in your kitchen! This dish is simple to whip up and delivers a burst of comforting flavors that feel just right. Whether you’re a home cook looking for quick meals or a busy parent needing something nutritious, this recipe fits right in. Let’s dive into what makes it so special.

First off, it’s super easy to prepare. With this Pasta E Fagioli Soup recipe, you can get everything ready in about 50 minutes total, making it ideal for those hectic evenings. You’ll love how the ingredients come together without much fuss, creating a hearty meal that satisfies everyone. Plus, it’s packed with health benefits from fresh veggies and beans, offering protein, fiber, and vitamins that keep you feeling great.

This soup’s versatility is another big plus. You can tweak it to suit different dietary needs, like swapping in gluten-free pasta for folks with sensitivities. It’s a great pick for food enthusiasts wanting to try new twists or students seeking budget-friendly options. And don’t forget that distinctive flavor, where creamy beans and tender pasta mix with savory herbs for a comforting, rich taste that’s hard to resist.

Key Benefits of the Ingredients

The ground beef adds a hearty protein boost, while the beans bring in fiber that supports digestion. Fresh veggies like carrots and celery pack vitamins, making each serving around 540 calories a balanced choice. This means it’s not just tasty, but also helps you stay energized throughout your day.

If you’re into similar dishes, check out our creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe for more ideas on hearty meals. That one pairs perfectly with this soup for a full menu!

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Pasta E Fagioli Soup
2. Essential Ingredients for Pasta E Fagioli Soup
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Pasta E Fagioli Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pasta E Fagioli Soup
5. Mastering Pasta E Fagioli Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Pasta E Fagioli Soup: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta E Fagioli Soup
8. Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Essential Ingredients for Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a delicious Pasta E Fagioli Soup. This recipe focuses on fresh, simple items that create a flavorful and nutritious dish. Below is a complete list of everything you’ll need, based on the traditional recipe. I pulled these straight from the details to ensure you have exact measurements for success.

The Full Ingredient List

2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 pound ground beef (about 450 grams)
1.5 cups chopped yellow onion
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cans tomato sauce (each 8 ounces or approximately 227 grams)
2 cans low-sodium chicken broth (each 14.5 ounces or about 411 grams)
0.5 cup water
1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounces or roughly 425 grams)
2 teaspoons sugar
1.5 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.75 teaspoon dried marjoram
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup dry ditalini pasta
1 can dark red kidney beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
1 can great northern beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced (for garnish)
Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

This list covers every item needed, making it easy to shop and cook. Each ingredient plays a key role, like the ground beef for protein or the herbs for that classic Italian flavor. Remember, using precise measurements helps the soup turn out just right every time.

How to Prepare the Perfect Pasta E Fagioli Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to make this tasty Pasta E Fagioli Soup? It’s a fun process that anyone can handle! Start by getting all your ingredients lined up, as they come together quickly. This step-by-step guide uses the exact method from the recipe details to ensure great results.

Step 1: Preparing the Base

Brown the ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Once it’s cooked, drain the excess fat and set it aside. This keeps the soup from getting too greasy and lets the beef’s flavor shine.

Next, in the same pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery, and sauté for about 6 minutes until they start to soften. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to bring out its aroma. Isn’t it exciting how these simple steps build layers of flavor?

Step 2: Adding Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and the cooked ground beef. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then bring everything to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together into something truly comforting.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta separately according to the package directions until it’s al dente. That’s about 8-10 minutes, so keep an eye on it! Once done, add the cooked pasta, drained kidney beans, and great northern beans to the soup and cook for an additional minute.

Stir in the minced fresh parsley and serve warm, topped with shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese. For the best texture, add the pasta to individual servings if you’re not eating it all at once, so it doesn’t get soggy. This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook, making it a quick win for weeknights. If you enjoy this style of cooking, try our chicken alfredo tater tot casserole for another easy favorite.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pasta E Fagioli Soup

One of the best things about Pasta E Fagioli Soup is how easy it is to adapt! You can change things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary goals. Let’s look at some fun ways to make this soup your own.

Swap the ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles if you’re watching calories or going meat-free.
Try different beans like chickpeas instead of kidney beans for a new texture while keeping the fiber content high.
Use zucchini or spinach in place of carrots and celery for a fresher, lighter twist that adds more vitamins.

These changes help keep the soup’s hearty essence but make it fit for various needs. For example, fire-roasted tomatoes can add a smoky flavor, or smoked paprika can bring in some heat. It’s all about making mealtime enjoyable for everyone, from busy professionals to baking enthusiasts.

Mastering Pasta E Fagioli Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you have the basics down, let’s level up your Pasta E Fagioli Soup! These tips will help you create even better versions of this classic dish. Start with pro cooking techniques like roasting the veggies before adding them for a deeper taste.

Flavor and Presentation Ideas

For flavor variations, mix in fresh rosemary or thyme to change things up. If you want a smoky touch, add some pancetta alongside the ground beef. When it comes to presentation, serve it in colorful bowls with grated cheese and a dash of pepper for that inviting look.

Make-ahead options are a game-changer for busy families. Prep the soup base ahead and store it in the fridge; just add pasta when you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and prevents overcooking, which is perfect for meal prep. Remember, this soup is rich in protein and vitamins, so it’s a smart choice for your weekly rotation.

Tip Category	Suggestion
Broth Enhancement	Use homemade stock for richer flavor
Pasta Handling	Cook separately to avoid sogginess

How to Store Pasta E Fagioli Soup: Best Practices

Storing your Pasta E Fagioli Soup the right way keeps it tasty for later. After enjoying a bowl, think about how you’ll save the rest. Start with refrigeration for short-term needs.

Put leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing, store the soup without the pasta to keep it from getting mushy, then add pasta when reheating.
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring as you go.

Meal prep is easy with this method; portion it into single servings before freezing. That way, you can grab a quick meal anytime, ideal for working professionals or students on the go. Check out more on soup storage tips for healthy eating habits.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta E Fagioli Soup

What is Pasta e Fagioli soup and what ingredients are needed to make it?

Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup that combines pasta and beans in a flavorful broth. Common ingredients include ground beef or Italian sausage, olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney or cannellini beans, chicken or vegetable broth, dried herbs like oregano and basil, ditalini pasta, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh parsley is often added for garnish. This hearty soup is known for its comforting texture and rich taste.

How do I cook Pasta e Fagioli soup on the stovetop?

To prepare Pasta e Fagioli on the stovetop, first brown the ground beef with olive oil in a large pot and set aside. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pot until tender. Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, herbs, and the cooked beef, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Cook the pasta separately until al dente and combine it with the beans and soup just before serving. Stir in fresh parsley and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for best flavor.

Can I make Pasta e Fagioli soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, Pasta e Fagioli can be made in a slow cooker for convenient, hands-off cooking. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first. Add these to the slow cooker along with tomatoes, broth, beans, vegetables, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Cook the pasta separately toward the end and stir it into the soup before serving to prevent it from getting mushy. Garnish with parsley or cheese as desired.

How should I store leftover Pasta e Fagioli soup?

Leftover Pasta e Fagioli should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, keep the pasta separate from the soup if possible. For longer storage, freeze the soup and cooked pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Pasta e Fagioli soup?

Pasta e Fagioli pairs well with a light side salad or garlic bread to complement its hearty flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a crusty Italian bread are popular choices. If serving as part of a larger meal, consider adding antipasto or a plate of cured meats and cheeses for a balanced Italian-inspired dining experience.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe with Hearty Beans and Pasta