Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Heartwarming Italian pasta fagioli soup is a delightful dish that brings rustic comfort straight from Tuscany’s countryside kitchens. This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is loaded with hearty beans, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a comforting lunch, this classic recipe ensures satisfaction with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This soup requires common pantry staples and fresh produce, making it easy to prepare any day of the week.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of beans and pasta creates a satisfying meal that keeps you full longer.
• Versatile Flavors: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors and textures, making this an ideal dish for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups as they distribute heat evenly and can hold enough ingredients for larger servings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring all ingredients mix well together.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 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

For the Beans and Tomatoes

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (16 ounces) tomato sauce

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley (chopped)

For Serving

• 1 cup (4 ounces) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (plus more for serving)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for serving)

How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Brown sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Crumble the meat while cooking until fully cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Incorporate onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for 6 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute. Allow its fragrance to permeate the mixture.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and bay leaves. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Introduce pasta into the pot with the soup. Continue simmering for 9–10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Discard bay leaves and remove pot from heat. Fold in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy consistency.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

If necessary, adjust soup’s thickness by adding extra broth. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and optional crushed red pepper flakes for added spice.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli soup can elevate your dining experience and make it truly memorable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance the flavors of this hearty soup.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Use freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor on top of each bowl.

Crusty Bread on the Side

• Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. A rustic baguette or sourdough works wonderfully.

Cheese Topping

• Add freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top before serving to enhance the creaminess of the soup.

Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds richness and depth to the dish.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

• For those who enjoy a little heat, offer crushed red pepper flakes as an optional topping.

Salad Accompaniment

• Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Italian Pasta Fagioli soup, consider these helpful tips. They will guide you in creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth will significantly improve the overall taste of your soup.

• Season Gradually: Start with less salt and adjust throughout cooking. This method helps you avoid over-seasoning the dish.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For optimal texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Consider making it ahead of time and reheating it before serving.

• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Complementing your Italian Pasta Fagioli soup with side dishes can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly for dipping into the rich broth.

2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing balance.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted seasonal vegetables add texture and nutrition to your meal.

4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies offers diverse flavors that complement the soup.

5. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes can be served alongside or crumbled into the soup for added heartiness.

6. Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens dressed lightly enhances freshness alongside the rich soup.

7. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a filling side that pairs well with any Italian dish.

8. Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia topped with herbs is perfect for sopping up every last bit of delicious broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to look out for.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of beans can alter the flavor. Stick to cannellini and red kidney beans for authenticity.
• Bold neglecting herbs: Fresh herbs are key in this dish. Skipping them will lead to a bland soup. Always include fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking pasta too long will make it mushy and unappealing. Aim for al dente to maintain a good texture.
• Bold skimping on broth: Not adding enough broth may result in a thick, stew-like consistency. Use sufficient low-sodium chicken broth for optimal results.
• Bold ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every batch may require different seasoning levels. Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• 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 Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a hearty bean soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s comforting and flavorful.

Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute turkey or chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or simply increase the variety of beans for protein.

How can I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also vary the types of beans used according to your preference.

What should I serve with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top adds extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, you can enjoy it any time of year. Try making it your own by adding favorite veggies or spices!