Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

This Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is a delightful, hearty dish that warms the soul. Combining beans, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth, this Italian classic is not only budget-friendly but also perfect for any occasion—from cozy weeknight dinners to gatherings with family and friends. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy delicious homemade soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this comforting soup in under 40 minutes.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup offers a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
• Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute pasta shapes according to your preference.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples, this recipe is both economical and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its delightful flavors, it’s sure to impress family and guests alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking of ingredients and ensures that there’s enough room for all the soup components.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, it helps mix ingredients thoroughly for balanced flavors.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for maintaining the right flavor balance in your soup.
• Measuring spoons: Using precise measurements for herbs and spices enhances the overall taste of the dish.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For this hearty Pasta Fagioli soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, quartered and sliced

Beans and Broth

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup water

Herbs and Spices

• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta

• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta

How to Make Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft and fragrant, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Beans and Seasonings

Add cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Pour in Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in ditalini pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional grated Parmesan cheese on top along with crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Best Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Serving your Pasta Fagioli soup can elevate the meal experience. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

With Crusty Bread

• A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Consider sourdough or ciabatta for a delightful crunch.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. It adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the soup.

With Grated Cheese

• Offer optional grated Parmesan cheese on the side. The salty, nutty flavor adds richness to each serving.

Accompanied by Salad

• A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup. The freshness of greens provides a nice contrast.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an attractive presentation and an edible vessel.

Paired with Wine or Sparkling Water

• While avoiding alcohol in the recipe, serving with sparkling water or a fruity non-alcoholic beverage can enhance the dining experience.

How to Perfect Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

To ensure your Pasta Fagioli soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips for making it even better.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried or canned alternatives.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. You can always add more herbs or spices based on your preference.

• Cook pasta separately: If you want leftovers, cook the pasta just until al dente separately so it doesn’t absorb too much liquid when stored.

• Incorporate seasonal veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach based on what’s in season for added nutrition and flavor.

• Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10–15 minutes after cooking enhances its flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the hearty soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that complements the robust flavors of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy and colorful addition that enhances any plate.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing counterpart.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and spices make a filling side dish alongside your soup.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil create a light yet flavorful pairing.
7. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses offers variety and richness to balance out the meal.
8. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes lightly fried provide a comforting side that pairs well with Italian soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta Fagioli soup is straightforward, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold ingredients: Skipping essential ingredients like herbs or beans can lead to a bland soup. Always double-check your recipe before starting.

• Bold cooking time: Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time and check for al dente texture.

• Bold seasoning: Forgetting to adjust the seasoning at the end can leave your soup lacking flavor. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

• Bold broth choice: Using low-quality broth can diminish the soup’s overall taste. Opt for a good quality low sodium vegetable broth for the best results.

• Bold storage practices: Not letting the soup cool before storing can lead to condensation and spoilage. Always cool your soup completely before transferring it to containers.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days.

Freezing Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered oven-safe dish, and bake until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe that you might find helpful.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.

What type of pasta works best in Pasta Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is traditional for this dish, but you can also use any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells.

How do I customize my Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, or even swap out cannellini beans for kidney beans for different flavors.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor further. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried ones.

Final Thoughts

This Best Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile and budget-friendly. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or beans. Try this recipe tonight; it’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners!