Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian dish that combines pasta and beans in a rich, flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Its unique blend of pantry staples and fresh vegetables makes it an easy go-to recipe. Plus, the secret flavor booster elevates it to new heights of deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this soup up in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sautéed vegetables, beans, and the secret flavor booster creates a deliciously rich taste.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes; this soup adapts easily to what you have on hand.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with fiber and nutrients, it’s a hearty yet healthy option for any meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Tools and Preparation

To make Pasta e Fagioli Soup effectively, having the right tools is essential. They will help you streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup; it holds all ingredients comfortably without overflow.
• Immersion blender: Makes pureeing part of the soup effortless while keeping it in the pot.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.

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Ingredients

For the Base

• 1/2 cup olive oil (divided into 1/4 cup for cooking and 1/4 cup reserved for serving)
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup carrot (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 1 cup potato (diced)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (to be sprinkled in bit by bit during each cooking step)

For the Soup

• 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained)
• 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes (diced, drained)
• 1 quart cold water
• 1 quart beef broth
• Parmesan rind

For Finishing Touches

• 8 ounces pasta (ditallini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided into 1/4 cup for cooking and 3/4 cup reserved for serving)

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until just translucent. Season lightly with salt while they cook.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes until softened; sprinkle with salt again as they cook.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, Water, Broth, and Seasoning

Toss in diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, cold water, beef broth, remaining salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with Parmesan Rind

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Add a Parmesan rind and let it simmer for 45–60 minutes to deepen flavors.

Step 5: Blend Partially

Remove the Parmesan rind from the pot. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Cook Pasta in the Soup

Bring the soup back to a boil. Stir in uncooked pasta and cook according to package directions—about 10 minutes should suffice.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once cooked, turn off heat. Add butter and grated Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and combined.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls. Drizzle with reserved olive oil and sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over each serving before enjoying!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives add a delicate onion flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top enhances the soup’s richness and adds depth.

Accompanied by Bread

• Homemade Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm, crispy garlic breadsticks on the side for a satisfying crunch.
• Crusty Italian Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess.
• Vegan Cheese Options: For those looking for dairy-free alternatives, try using vegan cheese shreds that melt well.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup

To make your Pasta e Fagioli Soup truly exceptional, consider these useful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality canned beans to boost the overall taste.
• Adjust Consistency: Modify the amount of broth based on your preference for a thicker or thinner soup.
• Experiment with Herbs: Adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme during cooking can deepen the flavor profile.
• Blend Partially: Using an immersion blender helps achieve a creamy texture while retaining some chunky elements.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Pasta e Fagioli Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make an irresistible pairing with the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds brightness and contrast to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a hearty and nutritious complement to the soup.
4. Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens offer a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of Pasta e Fagioli.
5. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese brings a comforting element that pairs beautifully with the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Baked bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice are filling and delicious alongside this Italian classic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold choice of beans: Using the wrong type of beans can change the texture. Stick with cannellini or navy beans for the best results.
• Bold vegetable chopping: Unevenly chopped vegetables can lead to inconsistent cooking. Dice your onions, carrots, and celery uniformly for even cooking.
• Bold seasoning timing: Adding all your salt at once can result in an unbalanced flavor. Sprinkle salt gradually throughout the cooking process for better seasoning control.
• Bold pasta cooking method: Cooking pasta separately and adding it later can make it mushy. Cook the pasta directly in the soup for perfect texture and flavor absorption.
• Bold blending approach: Over-blending can turn your soup too creamy. Use an immersion blender sparingly to keep some chunkiness in your soup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta e Fagioli Soup.

What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a traditional Italian dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and broth. It’s hearty and full of flavor.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or swap out beans based on what you have on hand for a unique twist.

How do I make my Pasta e Fagioli Soup richer?

Add extra Parmesan cheese or use homemade broth instead of store-bought for a deeper flavor profile.

Can I make Pasta e Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit your family’s tastes. It’s easy to customize with various vegetables or beans, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite!