Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Warm up with my Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup! This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how it brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This soup is filled with wholesome ingredients that warm you from the inside out.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in about an hour.
• Flavorful Goodness: A blend of spices and fresh herbs makes every spoonful irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or even as leftovers for lunch!
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Filled with vegetables and beans, this soup is packed with fiber and protein.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Allows for ample space to cook all ingredients without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
• Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for safely chopping vegetables.

Ingredients

Warm up with my Mama Mia’s Pasta Fagioli soup! This hearty, Olive Garden-inspired Italian classic is packed with flavor. Easy, comforting, and ready in…

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)

For the Soup

• 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

For the Pasta

• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape) (about 50g)

To Finish

• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

How to Make Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Base Ingredients

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth and Beans

Stir in the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer for Flavor

Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the ditalini pasta. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley before serving hot. Optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple touches. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will make your dish even more enjoyable.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Loaf: Serve slices of warm sourdough bread for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the soup’s richness perfectly.

Offer Cheese Options

• Grated Parmesan: Provide grated Parmesan cheese for guests to sprinkle on top for added flavor.
• Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, offer vegan cheese alternatives.

Create a Salad Bar

• Mixed Greens: Offer a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette as a refreshing side.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the hearty flavors of the soup.

Include Flavorful Condiments

• Red Pepper Flakes: Allow guests to add extra heat according to their taste preferences.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the soup’s rich flavors.

How to Perfect Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

To achieve the best results with your Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your cooking and ensure each bowl is packed with flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld together.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare it a day in advance; flavors deepen overnight in the fridge.
• Freeze Leftovers: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for quick meals later on.

Best Side Dishes for Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complementing your Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some perfect pairings:

1. Garlic Bread Sticks: Soft bread sticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze adds brightness.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with grains, beans, and spices provide a hearty addition.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers a nutritious balance to the meal.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and complement the soup’s flavors.
6. Cheesy Flatbread: A warm flatbread topped with cheese can be enjoyed alongside or dipped into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Skipping the sautéing step – Not cooking the vegetables long enough at the start can lead to a bland soup. Sauté until they are softened for maximum flavor.
• Using low-quality broth – A poor-quality chicken broth can ruin the soup’s taste. Opt for a rich, flavorful broth for a hearty result.
• Overcooking the pasta – Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long will make it mushy. Add it near the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your soup flat. Always season to taste before serving.
• Not using fresh herbs – Relying solely on dried herbs can limit flavor complexity. Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance freshness and appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

What is Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian dish packed with beans, vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth.

Can I customize Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Yes, you can add various vegetables like spinach or zucchini or switch up the beans based on your preferences.

How do I store leftovers of Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

How long does it take to cook Mama Mia& Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just a warm dish; it’s versatile and comforting, perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes. Enjoy this delicious recipe with family and friends!