Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

This Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of beans, vegetables, and pasta that brings warmth and comfort to any dining table. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this hearty Italian classic is budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make. Its savory flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a standout choice for family meals or gatherings, satisfying both young and old.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans and pasta, this soup is perfect for a filling meal.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip it up in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or spices.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples, this dish won’t break the bank.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a breeze with the right tools. These essential kitchen gadgets will help you cook efficiently and enjoy every step of the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking soups, allowing ample space for all ingredients to simmer together.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for even cooking of ingredients like onions and carrots.

Ingredients

This Pasta Fagioli soup is a hearty, comforting Italian classic made with beans, vegetables, pasta, and savory herbs. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and easily adaptable, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, quartered and sliced

For the Soup Flavor

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Broth

• 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup water

For the Pasta

• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta

How to Make Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft and fragrant, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Beans and Tomato Sauce

Add cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Step 3: Pour in Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until pasta is al dente, which takes about 6–7 minutes. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!

Step 5: Serve Hot

Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional grated Parmesan cheese on top alongside some crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious bowl of Pasta Fagioli soup!

How to Serve Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

This comforting soup is perfect for various occasions. You can enhance your meal with delicious accompaniments that complement its flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up the broth, adding a delightful texture to each bite.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top of each bowl before serving. This not only adds color but also enhances the aroma and flavor.

With Grated Cheese

• Serve with optional grated cheese, like Parmesan, for a rich, creamy finish. The cheese melts slightly into the hot soup, making it even more satisfying.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light side salad can balance the heartiness of the soup. Consider a mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.

With Garlic Bread

• Garlic bread makes a fantastic pairing with Pasta Fagioli. Its buttery, garlicky flavor complements the savory aspects of the soup perfectly.

How to Perfect Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

To ensure your Pasta Fagioli turns out delicious every time, use these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavors in your soup and make it more vibrant.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for a personalized flavor.

• Cook pasta separately: If you prefer extra tender pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it to each bowl before serving.

• Store leftovers wisely: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.

• Add variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor diversity.

Best Side Dishes for Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Complement your hearty Pasta Fagioli soup with these delightful sides that enhance your dining experience.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic flavor make a tasty addition to the meal.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables can add depth and nutrition alongside the soup.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers a comforting side that pairs well with soups.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and spices create a hearty side dish that complements the flavors of the soup.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic grilled cheese sandwich adds comfort to your meal while being easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold phrase: Not properly sautéing vegetables. Sautéing the onions, garlic, and carrots until they’re soft enhances the flavors. Skipping this step will result in a less flavorful soup.

• Bold phrase: Using low-quality broth. The broth is a base for your soup, so always use low sodium vegetable broth for the best flavor. Cheap broths can taste watered down.

• Bold phrase: Overcooking the pasta. Ditalini pasta should be cooked just until al dente. Overcooking will make it mushy and ruin the texture of your soup.

• Bold phrase: Forgetting to remove the bay leaf. This simple step is crucial as bay leaves are not edible and can leave an unpleasant taste if served with the soup.

• Bold phrase: Not adjusting seasonings. After cooking, always taste your soup and adjust seasonings if needed. This ensures that every bowl is perfectly seasoned to your liking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe:

Can I add meat to this pasta fagioli recipe?

Yes! You can easily add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein and flavor.

What type of beans can I use in pasta fagioli?

Cannellini beans are traditional, but you can also use kidney beans or chickpeas as alternatives.

Is this pasta fagioli soup vegan?

Yes! The Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and packed with nutrients from vegetables and beans.

How long does it take to make pasta fagioli?

This recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

The Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it both comforting and satisfying. With its adaptability, you can customize it with seasonal veggies or different types of beans. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!