Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

This Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger while warming your soul. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe stands out with its delightful combination of pasta, beans, and spices. It’s not just delicious; it’s also easy to prepare and can be made in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep or freezing for later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with lean ground beef, beans, and pasta, this soup is satisfying enough to serve as a main course.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this comforting soup ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for quick meals throughout the week.
• Flavorful Spices: The blend of Italian seasoning and basil elevates the taste, making every spoonful enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary tools to make your experience smooth. Having the right equipment will help streamline your preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: A versatile tool that makes cutting through tough vegetables much easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced white or yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped peeled carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ tablespoons dried sweet basil

For the Liquid Components

• 2-14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounce can Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 ½ cups V-8 juice

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• parmesan rind (optional)

For Serving

• 8 ounces dry ditali pasta
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Brown ground beef in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain most of the grease before returning the beef to the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Stir in diced onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté these vegetables until they are soft, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Add Italian seasoning and dried basil to the mixture. Stir well and let cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients

Add diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, Great Northern beans, V-8 juice, salt, pepper, and parmesan rind if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 50 minutes so all flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Cook Pasta Separately

In a separate pot, cook ditali pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain when done.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Soup

Stir cooked pasta into the soup mixture. Allow it to cook together for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Finish Up

Remove parmesan rind from the soup if you used one. Serve hot with optional grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Enjoy your deliciously hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Serving Pasta e Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and texture.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the soup. A baguette or sourdough loaf works perfectly.

Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Grated Parmesan Cheese

• Top each bowl of soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and creaminess.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving enriches the taste and adds a touch of elegance.

Garlic Bread

• Pair with garlic bread for a deliciously savory option that complements the soup’s Italian roots.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

To make your Pasta e Fagioli Soup truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and texture in your soup. Opt for in-season vegetables when possible.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup as it simmers and adjust spices according to your preference. This ensures a personalized flavor profile.

• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer brings out deeper flavors, making it even more comforting.

• Cook pasta separately: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming too soft in the soup. Add it just before serving for optimal texture.

• Store leftovers properly: To maintain freshness, store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge; it usually tastes better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta e Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots are perfect for sopping up soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic choice; greens mixed with creamy dressing balance the hearty soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers add variety and complement the Italian theme.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy side with rich flavors.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil enhances your meal’s freshness.
6. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta makes for a comforting addition that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
7. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses for a delightful starter before the main dish.
8. Focaccia Bread: Soft, flavorful focaccia is perfect for dipping into your delicious soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the sauté: Not sautéing the vegetables first can lead to a bland soup. Take the time to cook the onions, carrots, and celery until soft for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long in the soup can make it mushy. Cook it separately until al dente, then mix it into the soup just before serving.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings may leave your soup flat. Always taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.
• Neglecting to drain beans: Not rinsing canned beans can introduce excess sodium and a canning taste. Always drain and rinse them well before adding them to your soup.
• Forgetting about garnishes: Skipping optional toppings like grated parmesan cheese can diminish the overall experience. Consider adding garnishes for extra flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pasta e Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for any meal.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini or swap out beans based on your preference.

How do I store leftovers from my Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.

What types of pasta work best in this recipe?

Ditali pasta is traditional, but you can use any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shells.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup reheats well, making it great for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is a warm delight that’s both filling and nutritious. With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish, this recipe invites creativity and comfort on your table. Give it a try; you’ll love how easy it is to make!