Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, making it a versatile dish to have in your recipe collection. Featuring lean protein, tender vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, this soup stands out with its comforting qualities and classic Italian flavors.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• For the Beans & Tomatoes
• For Seasoning & Herbs
• For the Pasta & Garnish
• How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Broth & Beans
• Step 5: Cook the Pasta
• Step 6: Final Touches
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Add Some Heat
• Pair with Bread
• Top with Cheese
• How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
• How do I serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• What type of pasta works best?
• Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
• Is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup comes together quickly and requires minimal prep time.
• Nutritious Ingredients – Packed with beans and vegetables, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
• Versatile Servings – Perfect as a main dish or a starter, this soup suits any occasion.
• Rich Flavor Profile – The combination of herbs and spices creates a depth of flavor that will impress everyone at your table.
• Great for Leftovers – This soup tastes even better the next day and can be easily reheated.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your delicious Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot – Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing adequate space for stirring.
• Wooden spoon – Great for mixing without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring longevity of your kitchenware.

Ingredients

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is packed with lean protein, tender vegetables, savory herbs, and two types of beans in a rich tomato broth. It’s comforting, filling, and brimming with classic Italian flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

For the Soup 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
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth

For the Beans & Tomatoes

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

For Seasoning & Herbs

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

For the Pasta & Garnish

• 1 cup (4 oz) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

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How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for about 6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Broth & Beans

Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the pasta and simmer for 9–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves from the soup. Stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese while removing from heat. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add more broth or water to achieve desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot garnished with more Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Italian Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color.
• Basil Leaves: Whole basil leaves can bring an aromatic herbaceous touch.

Add Some Heat

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love spice, sprinkle some flakes for extra warmth.
• Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These are perfect for mopping up the delicious broth.

Top with Cheese

• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: Offer extra cheese for a rich finish.
• Mozzarella Shreds: Melted mozzarella on top can add creaminess and texture.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make the best Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, follow these helpful tips that ensure every bowl is full of flavor and comfort.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality broth will enhance the soup’s taste.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season as you go; this helps build layers of flavor.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit lets flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Beans: Don’t hesitate to mix different types of beans for added texture and nutrition.

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Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complement your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup with these side dishes that bring out its robust flavors. Each side adds a unique touch to your meal.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
2. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Warm, gooey bread enhances every spoonful of soup.
3. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, and cheeses makes for an inviting starter.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs add depth and nutrition to your meal.
5. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine paired with creamy dressing offers a crunchy balance.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Flavor-packed stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty accompaniment.

These pairing ideas will elevate your dining experience while enjoying this comforting Italian dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the broth quality: Using low-quality broth can dull the flavor. Always opt for low sodium or homemade broth for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it during the last minutes of cooking to keep it al dente.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the soup’s flavor significantly. Don’t substitute dried herbs directly; instead, use more fresh herbs for the best taste.
• Not seasoning adequately: Insufficient seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to achieve the desired flavor.
• Forgetting about thickness: The soup may thicken as it sits. If you’re reheating, be prepared to add extra broth or water to regain the right consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace sausage with mushrooms or additional beans for protein while using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Serve hot with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.

What type of pasta works best?

Small shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini are ideal since they hold up well in the soup and complement its texture.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors meld together. Just be mindful that it may thicken; add broth when reheating.

Is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty and versatile dish that warms both body and soul. Its rich flavors make it perfect for cozy dinners, while its flexibility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of deliciousness!