Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup – tastykitchenjoy

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a perfect blend of hearty beans, savory vegetables, and comforting spices. This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is ideal for various occasions, whether you’re hosting family dinners or seeking a warm meal after a long day. Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s a dish that brings everyone together at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with protein and fiber from beans and turkey sausage, making it a satisfying meal.
Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices infuse the soup with rich Italian flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup in just 40 minutes.
Versatile Options: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge or freezer, providing quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to make the cooking process smoother.

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 all the ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts on veggies, making prep quick and easy.

Ingredients

Pasta Fagioli Soup is hearty and filling and full of delicious Italian flavors!

For the Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
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

For the Broth and Beans

5 cups low sodium chicken broth
14.5 ounces canned cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained
14.5 ounces canned red kidney beans rinsed and drained
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with their juices
16 ounces tomato sauce

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme

For the Pasta

4 ounces (1 cup) dried pasta, such as elbow macaroni or ditalini

Finishing Touches

3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
Crushed red pepper (optional)

How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the onion, carrot, celery, thyme, rosemary, and parsley then cook while stirring frequently for about 6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Cook Garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Broth & Beans

Add the broth, beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Increase heat to high to bring to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Next, stir in the pasta. Simmer for 9-10 minutes until pasta is al dente. Check occasionally as cooking times may vary depending on pasta type.

Step 6: Thicken & Finish

The soup will thicken slightly as it cooks. Remove and discard the bay leaves before stirring in Parmesan cheese. If too thick, gradually add water or more chicken stock until you reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired; finish with crushed red pepper for extra kick!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. To enhance your dining experience, consider these serving suggestions that will elevate the flavors and presentation of this hearty soup.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a deliciously aromatic crunch.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley brightens the soup’s flavor.
Basil Leaves: A few fresh basil leaves can add an aromatic touch.

With Cheese

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated cheese.
Mozzarella Balls: Add soft mozzarella for a creamy texture contrast.

As Part of a Meal

Salad: Pair with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette for balance.
Antipasto Platter: Offer an antipasto platter with olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is simple, but these tips can help you achieve perfection every time.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and good-quality broth for the best flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook; adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to keep it al dente.
Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing complement.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition; toss with olive oil and herbs before baking.
Garlic Butter Naan: Soft naan brushed with garlic butter offers a delightful twist on traditional bread.
Stuffed Peppers: Oven-baked stuffed peppers filled with grains and veggies provide a hearty side option.
Crispy Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries add texture; serve them alongside your soup for dipping.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish, but there are some common mistakes that can affect its flavor and texture. Here are a few tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

Skipping the aromatics: Failing to sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables can lead to bland soup. Always start by cooking these ingredients to build a flavorful base.
Using low-quality broth: Opting for poor-quality broth can diminish the overall taste. Use low sodium chicken broth or homemade stock for the best results.
Overcooking pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy in the soup. Always cook it al dente before adding it to the pot.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasoning throughout cooking is key. Don’t wait until the end; add salt and pepper gradually to achieve the right balance.
Not letting it rest: Serving immediately can miss out on flavors melding together. Letting the soup sit for a few minutes enhances its taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Container: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for optimal preservation.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup that may help you enjoy this recipe even more.

Can I use different types of beans in Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Yes! You can substitute any beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans, based on your taste.

How do I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What type of pasta works best for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal as they hold up well in soup and absorb flavors nicely.

How long does it take to prepare Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 40 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time.

Can I add more vegetables to my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup good for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only hearty but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust seasonings according to your preferences. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion—try making it today!