Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Hearty pasta e fagioli soup recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender pasta with hearty beans and flavorful vegetables. This soup is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Plus, its rich flavors will warm you up and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-rich: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup provides a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious dish without hassle.
• Versatile: Customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences; switch up the beans or add more veggies!
• Meal prep friendly: This soup stores well, making it perfect for weekly meal prep or leftovers.
• Family favorite: Its hearty nature appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone enjoys it.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful pasta e fagioli soup recipe, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Essential for browning meat and simmering the soup evenly without burning.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife allows for quick and precise cutting of ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.

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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

For Seasoning 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

Begin by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, drain most of the grease. Return the beef to the pot. Then add:
1. Onion
2. Carrot
3. Celery
4. Garlic

Sauté these vegetables until they are soft, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in Italian seasoning and dried sweet basil. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow the spices to release their aroma.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients except for the pasta:
– Diced tomatoes
– Tomato sauce
– Red kidney beans
– Great Northern beans
– V-8 juice

Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 50 minutes.

Step 6: Cook Pasta Separately

While the soup simmers, cook your ditali pasta in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Soup

After draining the cooked pasta, stir it into your simmering soup. Let it cook together for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

If you used a parmesan rind, remove it before serving. Top each bowl with grated parmesan cheese if desired to enhance flavor. Enjoy your hearty pasta e fagioli soup!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pasta e fagioli soup is a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked or toasted crusty bread pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing your soup with fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and color, making it even more appealing.

Served with a Side Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Adding grated parmesan cheese on top not only enhances the flavor but also gives a delightful texture to each spoonful.

With Extra Olive Oil Drizzle

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the soup before serving can elevate its taste and add a luxurious finish.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Perfecting your pasta e fagioli soup can lead to an even more delicious outcome. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavors and overall quality of your soup.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup as it simmers and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning according to your preference.

• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking pasta separately ensures it remains al dente and does not absorb too much liquid from the soup.

• Simmer Longer for Depth: Allowing your soup to simmer longer will deepen the flavors, making it richer and more satisfying.

• Include Parmesan Rind: If using, adding a parmesan rind while cooking adds an incredible depth of flavor to the broth.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with pasta e fagioli soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into the hearty broth, adding both flavor and texture.

2. Caprese Salad: A simple salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

3. Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds a crunchy element that complements the creaminess of the soup.

4. Stuffed Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with grains or beans provide additional protein and nutrients alongside your meal.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted until caramelized make a tasty side that pairs well with the flavors of the soup.

6. Cheesy Quesadillas: These crispy delights filled with cheese offer a fun twist on traditional sides and are great for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making the Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef properly can result in a bland soup. Ensure you brown it well to develop rich flavors.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the veggies too long can make them mushy. Sauté until just tender for a nice texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has a different salt level; taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as necessary.
• Using uncooked pasta directly in the soup: Adding uncooked pasta can lead to an overcooked, starchy mess. Always cook pasta separately and add it right before serving.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Quick cooking won’t allow the flavors to meld. Simmer for at least 50 minutes for a more robust taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

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

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe.

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute lean ground turkey or lamb if you prefer those over beef.

How do I make this Pasta e Fagioli Soup Vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead of V-8 juice. You can add more beans or lentils for protein.

What is the best type of pasta for Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditali is traditional, but you can also use small shells or elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.

How spicy is this Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

This recipe is not spicy as written. If you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would be great additions. Just sauté them with the other vegetables at the beginning.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is perfect for chilly days and offers great versatility. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a unique twist every time. Try it out and enjoy a comforting bowl today!