Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, soul-satisfying soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone. This classic Italian dish weaves together tender pasta, creamy beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs for a hearty meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone is refreshingly simple — every item plays an important role in delivering that authentic flavor and homestyle texture. From the richness of the olive oil to the pop of fresh parsley at the end, you’ll appreciate how each element shines.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base and brings together all the flavors with a hint of richness.
- Onion (finely chopped): Lends sweetness and depth, making every spoonful more aromatic.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a savory, unmistakable Italian punch to the soup.
- Carrot (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the mix.
- Celery (diced): Offers crunch and an earthy backdrop that balances the other veggies.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the soup with a classic herbal note that feels quintessentially Italian.
- Dried thyme: Adds a woodsy, subtle fragrance that deepens the broth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick, this is your secret weapon.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 oz can): Provides a tangy, robust base that ties all the flavors together.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid backbone of the soup, choose veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
- Cannellini beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Creamy and mild, they add heartiness without heaviness.
- Red kidney beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Their firmer texture and color make the soup extra satisfying.
- Small pasta (like ditalini or elbow): The star of the show, these bite-sized shapes hold up perfectly in the broth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning — always taste as you go!
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens up the finished dish with a fresh, herbal lift.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible savory finish; skip it for a vegan version if you’d like.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. This step builds the base flavor, making your Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone taste authentically homemade.
Step 2: Add the Herbs and Spices
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, and, if you like a hint of heat, the red pepper flakes. Let them cook for just a minute — this quick bloom in hot oil coaxes out the herbs’ essential oils, adding layers of flavor that make the soup sing.
Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth
Next, add the crushed tomatoes and your choice of vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well, scraping any tasty bits off the bottom of the pan. This forms the rich, tomatoey base that sets Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone apart from ordinary soups.
Step 4: Add the Beans and Simmer
Stir in both the cannellini and kidney beans (make sure they’re drained and rinsed!). Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the beans to soften even more.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add your small pasta directly into the bubbling soup, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, just until the pasta is al dente. Don’t overcook — you want that lovely bite, not mush!
Step 6: Season and Finish
Now it’s time to make it your own. Taste the soup and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Ladle into bowls and finish with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan cheese if you please. Your Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone is ready to serve!
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone
Garnishes
When it comes to serving, the right garnish makes Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone even more irresistible. A sprinkle of extra parsley adds brightness, while a handful of grated Parmesan melts into a savory blanket. If you love a little zing, try a drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a meal on its own, but pairing it with crusty Italian bread for dunking is pure joy. You might also serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables for a more robust dinner spread. Each bite feels like a trip to a cozy trattoria!
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone in wide, shallow bowls to show off the colorful ingredients. Try topping each bowl with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of ricotta for a restaurant-worthy twist. Or, serve in small mugs at a party for a fun, hand-held appetizer that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone is a meal prep superstar. Simply cool the soup to room temperature and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
Freezing
If you want to freeze your soup, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating, as pasta can become soft after freezing. Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, ready for a quick thaw whenever you need comfort in a bowl.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too, just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely to prevent splatters. Don’t forget to garnish again before serving!
FAQs
Can I make Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. Be sure to check labels on the broth and beans as well to ensure everything is gluten-free.
What type Soup
The classic combo for Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone is cannellini and red kidney beans, but you can use great northern beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure they’re cooked and rinsed before adding.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
For a heartier version, stir in some cooked Italian sausage or pancetta with the vegetables in the beginning. The savory flavors will infuse the soup and make it extra filling — perfect for meat lovers!
How can I thicken the soup?
To create a thicker, creamier texture, simply mash a portion of the beans before adding the pasta. This releases starches and gives Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone that classic, rustic body without any need for cream.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan cheese, or substitute with a vegan alternative. All the other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this a fantastic vegan comfort food option.
Final Thoughts
Sharing Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone is truly like passing along a treasured family secret. Every bowl is packed with love, flavor, and that unmistakable Italian warmth. I hope you give this recipe a spot in your regular rotation — it’s easy, adaptable, and always delivers a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Buon appetito!
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Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian bean and pasta soup that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any season. This comforting soup combines cannellini and kidney beans with vegetables, herbs, and small pasta, simmered in a savory broth and topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, nutritious, and versatile recipe suitable for vegetarians and can be made vegan with simple adjustments.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in dried oregano, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about 1 minute to release the flavors of the herbs and spices.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth, then add the drained and rinsed cannellini and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the small pasta directly into the soup. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and tender.
- Season and Finish: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Remove from heat, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Italian classic.
Notes
- For a thicker texture, mash some of the beans before adding the pasta to give the soup a creamier consistency.
- Make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting the Parmesan cheese or substituting with a vegan alternative.
- For a heartier, meatier version, add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta when sautéing the vegetables.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
