Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that combines the goodness of pasta and beans into a hearty soup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, Pasta Fagioli offers a delightful experience that warms both body and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready to simmer in no time.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from ground beef and fiber from beans, this soup will keep you satisfied.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve as a starter at your next gathering; it suits any occasion.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a savory broth that enhances every bite.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering the soup evenly without splatters.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and effortless, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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Ingredients

This Pasta Fagioli recipe features a blend of tasty ingredients that create a delightful harmony of flavors.

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Beans and Broth

• 29 oz diced tomatoes (with the liquid, 2-14.5 oz cans)
• 15 oz dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar

For the Pasta

• 8 oz Ditalini pasta

How to Make Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Over medium heat, brown the ground beef in a large Dutch oven for about 7 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

As the beef finishes browning, drain off most of the grease. Then add:
* The diced onion,
* Diced carrots,
* Diced celery.
Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes until softened. Add in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add in all remaining ingredients except for the pasta:
* Diced tomatoes,
* Kidney beans,
* Cannellini beans,
* Tomato sauce,
* Beef broth,
* Dried basil,
* Dried oregano,
* Salt,
* Pepper,
* Sugar.
Simmer this mixture for 20 minutes to meld flavors together.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately

While your soup simmers, cook the Ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain when al dente.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Just before serving, add the drained pasta to your soup. Stir gently then top with fresh basil if desired for an extra touch. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Pasta Fagioli!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. This hearty soup is not only comforting but also customizable, allowing you to enhance its flavors and presentation according to your preference.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright note and complements the dish well.

Add Cheese

• Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each bowl for a savory finish.
• Mozzarella: Add small mozzarella balls for extra creaminess and texture.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Breadsticks: Offer warm breadsticks as a fun side that pairs perfectly with the soup.

Create a Complete Meal

• Salad: A light green salad can balance the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables make for a colorful and healthy side dish.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli

To make your Pasta Fagioli even more delicious, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold seasoning: Use fresh herbs and spices like basil and oregano for robust flavor.
• Quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and beans to elevate the dish’s taste.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer melds the flavors together beautifully.
• Cook pasta separately: Cooking pasta apart prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup; add it just before serving.
• Adjust consistency: If too thick, add extra broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its hearty nature. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess, balancing the richness of the soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that enhances Italian flavors.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes and basil offer a tasty appetizer option.
5. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus provides a healthy, vibrant contrast to the meal.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights filled with cheese and herbs make for an elegant side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta Fagioli is delightful, but certain mistakes can hinder your experience. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Bold choice of meat: Using the wrong type of meat can affect the flavor. Stick to ground beef or turkey for the best taste.
• Bold measuring ingredients incorrectly: Not measuring ingredients accurately can throw off the balance. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Bold forgetting to drain beans: Skipping the rinsing step for canned beans leads to excess sodium. Always drain and rinse your beans before adding them.
• Bold ignoring simmer time: Not allowing enough simmer time means flavors won’t meld properly. Make sure to let it simmer for at least 20 minutes.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Adding pasta too early results in mushy noodles. Cook pasta separately and combine it just before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli

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

Reheating Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pasta Fagioli that might help you perfect your dish.

What is Pasta Fagioli?

Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup featuring pasta and beans, often enriched with vegetables and meat.

How can I customize my Pasta Fagioli?

Feel free to add different vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or switch up the type of beans used based on your preferences.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I store leftover Pasta Fagioli?

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that brings together hearty ingredients in a delicious way. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your tastes, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm bowl of this classic Italian soup!