Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or hosting a gathering with friends, this soup will impress everyone at the table. Its rich tomato broth, hearty beans, and savory herbs create a comforting experience that warms both the body and soul. Enjoying a bowl of this soup means savoring authentic Italian flavors in your home.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• For the Beans and Tomatoes
• For Seasoning
• For Pasta and Garnish
• How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Cook the Sausage
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Simmer the Soup
• Step 6: Add Pasta
• Step 7: Finish the Soup
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• With Crusty Bread
• With Fresh Salad
• With Grated Cheese
• How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
• How do I enhance the flavor of my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• What can I serve with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Can I use different types of beans in my soup?
• Is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup features lean protein and beans, making it satisfying for any appetite.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to switch up the beans or pasta based on your preferences.
• Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and lean meat, it’s a nourishing choice for any meal.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather your tools to ensure smooth cooking. These essential items will help you create this delicious Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: A sharp blade makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without damaging your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is packed with lean protein, tender vegetables, savory herbs, and two types of beans in a rich tomato broth. It’s comforting, filling, and brimming with classic Italian flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound mild or spicy ground turkey or chicken sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 medium celery ribs, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth

For the Beans and Tomatoes

• 1 can (14.5 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

For Pasta and Garnish

• 1 cup (4 oz) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

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How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for about 6 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Stir in the pasta and simmer for 9–10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

Step 7: Finish the Soup

Remove bay leaves. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. If soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot garnished with more Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, enhancing its rich flavors and comforting nature.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter provides a crunchy contrast.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Soft inside and crusty outside, perfect for sopping up the broth.

With Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine, croutons, and Parmesan that complements the soup’s richness.
• Italian Chopped Salad: A mix of veggies and olives adds freshness to your meal.

With Grated Cheese

• Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated cheese sprinkled on top enhances flavor and creaminess.
• Mozzarella Shreds: Melty mozzarella adds a delightful texture when mixed into the hot soup.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Creating the best Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup involves a few simple tips that can enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme provide vibrant flavors compared to dried herbs.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Properly sautéing onions, carrots, and celery deepens their sweetness and builds flavor.
• Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for lean turkey sausage or high-quality pork sausage for a hearty base.
• Mind Your Pasta: Cook pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking when added to the hot soup.
• Adjust Thickness Wisely: If the soup thickens too much, add more broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit enhances its flavors, so consider making it a day ahead.

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Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

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

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a fresh starter.
2. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with olive oil make for an easy-to-eat option.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and cheese offer a hearty addition to your meal.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables provides variety.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil bring out their natural sweetness as a side dish.
6. Polenta Cakes: Crispy polenta cakes can be served alongside for added texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the vegetables and sausage can lead to a bland soup. Always take time to cook these ingredients until they are softened and fragrant.
• Using too much salt: Adding excessive salt early can make the soup too salty, especially after adding broth and canned tomatoes. Start with less salt and adjust later.
• Ignoring the pasta cooking time: Overcooking the pasta will result in mushy noodles. Cook it until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the soup.
• Not using enough herbs: Herbs are key for flavor in Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup. Don’t skimp on fresh rosemary and thyme—they enhance the taste significantly.
• Forgetting to remove bay leaves: Leaving bay leaves in the soup will make it bitter. Always remember to remove them before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing for storage.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the sausage. Use additional beans or lentils for protein.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

To boost flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine along with the broth or more herbs like oregano and basil.

What can I serve with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a side of garlic bread for dipping.

Can I use different types of beans in my soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match beans such as black beans or pinto beans based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms you from within. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various proteins and veggies based on your taste preferences. Try this comforting recipe any day of the week!

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