Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. This delicious soup is perfect for chilly days, gatherings, or simply as a hearty family dinner. Full of flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a dish that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just 90 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Flavorful Ingredients: With a blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and hearty beans, every bowl is bursting with taste.
• Versatile Meal: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for up to three days or freeze for later use.
• Comforting Dish: Ideal for cold days or when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Perfect for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in your ingredients for the best flavor profile.

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Ingredients

To create this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
• 5 medium celery stalks (diced (about 1 ½ cups))
• 2 small-medium onions (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)

Seasonings & Liquids

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup red apple vinegar (OR more broth)
• 1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)
• 5 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
• salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Texture

• 1 cup dry Ditalini pasta
• 1 (15-oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (15-oz) can white cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)

To Serve

• grated parmesan (optional)
• chopped parsley (optional)

How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Turkey Bacon and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Then add the sausage, cooking until browned as well, about an additional 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic to the pot. Cook until starting to soften, around 4–5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Deglaze

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly distributed. Pour in the red apple vinegar while scrapping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for about one minute.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir uncooked Ditalini into the soup and cook uncovered for roughly ten minutes. Add drained beans next and continue simmering for an additional four–five minutes until pasta is cooked through. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed. Serve immediately with optional parmesan cheese and parsley on top. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to three days.

How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Serving it right can elevate your dining occasion, making it even more enjoyable for family and friends. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Pair your soup with warm, crusty baguette slices for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside buttery garlic bread for a flavorful addition.

Topped with Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness and color.
• Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil leaves for an aromatic twist.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Offer grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top, enhancing the soup’s richness.
• Mozzarella Balls: Include small mozzarella balls for a delightful creamy texture.

How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to make it even better:

• Bold seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference for enhanced flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones when possible; they add brightness and depth.
• Quality broth: Opt for high-quality chicken broth to provide a rich base to the soup.
• Right pasta choice: Use Ditalini or other small pasta shapes that hold up well in soup without getting mushy.
• Slow simmer: Let the soup simmer slowly; this allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Add variety: Experiment with different beans or vegetables based on availability and preference.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter make a perfect accompaniment.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp greens and a creamy dressing that complements the soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add both color and nutrients to the meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa can be a hearty side option.
6. Cheesy Flatbread: Serve warm flatbreads topped with cheese as a delicious way to scoop up the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make minor errors that can impact the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the Turkey Bacon and sausage can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to brown your meats well.
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Chopping vegetables inconsistently can result in uneven cooking. Ensure all pieces are roughly the same size for even tenderness.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it will become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain a perfect texture.
• Not tasting as you go: Failing to taste your soup while cooking can lead to an under-seasoned dish. Adjust salt and pepper gradually for optimal flavor.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth will dull the flavors of your soup. Choose a quality chicken broth or homemade stock for best results.
• Neglecting toppings: Skipping garnishes like grated parmesan and parsley can reduce visual appeal and flavor complexity. Don’t forget those finishing touches!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until hot, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed, adding broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup.

What is Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian-inspired dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.

Can I make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute turkey bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that still delivers great flavor.

How do I customize my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini or use different types of beans based on your preference.

How long does it take to prepare Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 90 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe with different proteins or veggies based on what’s available. It’s a warming meal that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you’ll love how comforting it is on chilly days!