Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pasta e fagioli soup recipe is a warm and comforting dish that brings together hearty ingredients and rich flavors. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup combines tender pasta with nutritious beans and vegetables, creating a delightful meal that pleases everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this pasta e fagioli soup will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This pasta e fagioli soup recipe comes together in just about 80 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with lean ground beef, beans, and savory vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and delicious.
• Versatile: Whether you serve it as a main course or as a starter, this versatile soup fits perfectly into any meal plan.
• Nutritious Ingredients: The combination of beans and vegetables ensures that each bowl is loaded with protein and fiber for a healthy meal option.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing this delicious pasta e fagioli soup.

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 browning meat and simmering the soup evenly without burning.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient, ensuring even pieces that cook uniformly.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients thoroughly.

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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

Seasonings and Pasta

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• parmesan rind (optional)
• 8 ounces dry ditali pasta
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Drain most of the grease from the pot, returning the beef to continue cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. Add diced onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
2. Sauté these vegetables until they soften, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

1. Stir in Italian seasoning and dried sweet basil.
2. Allow them to cook together for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

1. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, red kidney beans, Great Northern beans, V-8 juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

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

Step 6: Cook Pasta Separately

1. In a separate pot, cook ditali pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta before adding it to the soup.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Soup

1. Stir the cooked pasta into the simmering soup.
2. Let it cook together for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

1. If using parmesan rind in the soup, remove it before serving.
2. Top individual bowls with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your warm bowl of pasta e fagioli soup!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pasta e fagioli soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich broth and adds texture.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. It adds a burst of color and enhances the flavor profile.

With a Side Salad

• Serve alongside a light garden salad. The crisp vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Add Extra Protein

• Consider adding grilled chicken or turkey on top of the soup for an additional protein boost.

With Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Guests can sprinkle it over their soup according to their taste preference.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect pasta e fagioli soup requires attention to detail and some culinary tips. Here are ways to elevate your dish further:

• Choose quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality canned beans will significantly improve the flavor of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust your seasonings as you cook. This ensures that flavors develop beautifully.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an extended period lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
• Cook pasta separately: Cooking the pasta al dente separately prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed into the soup.
• Store correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add red pepper flakes or extra herbs for added depth and warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Complementing your pasta e fagioli soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter provide an aromatic and flavorful addition.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons offers a nice crunch alongside your soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, vegetables, and spices can serve as a hearty side dish.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing appetizer.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned with herbs complement the flavors of the soup beautifully.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette adds nutrition and freshness.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers creates an inviting starter before your main course.
8. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs provides a simple yet flavorful side that pairs well with hearty soups like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few important details. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the browning process: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to brown it well for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for soft but still slightly firm textures by sautéing for about 5-10 minutes.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup properly can result in a bland dish. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and spices accordingly.
• Using uncooked pasta: Adding dry pasta directly into the soup without cooking can lead to uneven texture. Always cook it al dente before mixing it in.
• Skipping the simmering step: Rushing through the simmering process can prevent the flavors from developing. Allow at least 50 minutes for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow soup to cool before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30-40 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Transfer soup to a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, usually about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe that can help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I make this Pasta e Fagioli Soup recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or additional beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

How do I store leftover Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

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

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match beans based on preference. Great Northern beans and black beans work well too.

How long does it take to prepare this Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

The total time is approximately 80 minutes, including prep and cooking times.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or beans according to your taste preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!