Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian classic that brings together pasta and beans in a savory broth. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is both hearty and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With its unique flavor profile, boosted by simple yet effective ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup is made with common pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making it quick to whip up any night of the week.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of sautéed vegetables and the secret flavor booster elevates the taste to next-level deliciousness.
• Versatile: Customize the soup with your choice of pasta or add extra veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Nutritious: Packed with beans and vegetables, this dish offers a wholesome meal that’s both filling and healthy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier as leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Pasta e Fagioli Soup requires some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help ensure that your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Immersion blender (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is crucial for sautéing your ingredients evenly and for simmering the soup to perfection.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
• Immersion blender: While optional, this tool allows you to blend the soup without transferring it to another container, saving time and reducing cleanup.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1/2 cup olive oil (divided; 1/4 cup for cooking, 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)

Beans & Broth

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

Pasta & Cheese

• 8 ounces pasta (ditalini 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)

Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (to sprinkle in bit by bit during each cooking step)
• Parmesan rind

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until they are just translucent. Sprinkle a little salt while they sauté to enhance their flavor.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, Water, Broth, Salt, and Pepper

Stir in diced tomatoes, drained cannellini beans, cold water, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Simmer with Parmesan Rind

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat. Add a Parmesan rind if you have one on hand. Let it simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes.

Step 5: Blend (Kind Of)

Remove the Parmesan rind before blending. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it’s at your desired consistency.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta in the Soup

Increase the heat back to boiling. Add uncooked pasta directly into the soup. Cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat once done cooking your pasta. Stir in one tablespoon of butter along with grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle your delicious Pasta e Fagioli Soup into bowls. Drizzle with reserved olive oil and sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top before enjoying!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that enhances the soup’s flavor.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to each bowl.

With Bread

• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks alongside for a perfect dipper.
• Crusty Italian Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Finish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
• Mozzarella Balls: Add small mozzarella balls for a creamy texture that complements the soup.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Creating the perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for a delightful result.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth to enhance the overall flavor.
• Season Gradually: Add salt in stages throughout cooking for balanced seasoning.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 30 minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Pasta Types: Try different pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells for variety and fun textures.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Pasta e Fagioli Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad: A refreshing salad with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables seasoned with olive oil add a flavorful complement.
3. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes a rich side that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices offer a colorful, nutritious option.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes and herbs provide a crunchy contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta e Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the Sofrito: Many skip sautéing the onion and garlic properly. This step builds a strong flavor base, so take your time and let them become fragrant before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta separately can lead to mushy noodles. Instead, add uncooked pasta directly into the soup for perfectly cooked bites.
• Skipping Seasoning Layers: Adding salt only at the end is a mistake. Season throughout the cooking process to enhance flavor and depth in your soup.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: A common error is not using enough broth or water. Make sure you have adequate liquid for a hearty texture; it’s essential for a rich soup.
• Forgetting About Texture: Some forget to blend the soup partially for creaminess. Use an immersion blender briefly to achieve that perfect balance of chunky and smooth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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 and beans, creating a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for cold days.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or substitute beans based on what you have on hand.

How do I store leftover Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

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

What type of pasta works best in Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Short pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best as they capture the flavors of the soup nicely.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not just delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavors make it a family favorite, while its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans to suit your taste!