There’s something about a warm bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Picture this: aromatic herbs dancing in the air, rich tomatoes bubbling away, and al dente pasta mingling with tender beans, creating a symphony of flavors that makes your taste buds sing. delicious pasta salad recipe Just one slurp can lift your spirits and transport you to an Italian kitchen where laughter fills the air alongside the savory scents.
This delightful soup doesn’t just fill your belly; it warms your heart too. I remember the first time I made Pasta e Fagioli for my family on a cold winter evening. Their delighted faces were priceless! Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish brings everyone together around the table, promising comfort and joy in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pasta e Fagioli Soup is incredibly easy to make, ensuring meal prep is stress-free
- The complex flavors develop beautifully as it simmers, making it a hearty delight
- With vibrant colors from fresh veggies and herbs, it’s visually appealing and will impress guests
- This versatile soup is perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings; serve it with crusty bread for an unforgettable experience
I remember when I served this to my friends during game night; they couldn’t stop asking for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for a fruity flavor that enhances the soup’s richness.
- Yellow Onion: A staple in many soups; choose one that’s firm and heavy for maximum sweetness.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; avoid limp ones for best results. fresh Mediterranean chickpea salad.
- Celery Stalks: Look for crisp celery; it adds crunch and depth to the flavor profile.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the aroma; use minced or chopped according to taste.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for quality brands with no added sugars; they provide acidity and sweetness.
- Vegetable Broth: Homemade is ideal, but store-bought works well too—just check sodium levels.
- Pasta (Ditalini preferred): Small pasta like Ditalini absorbs broth nicely without overpowering the soup.
- Canned Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans offer texture; rinse them to reduce sodium content before use.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano gives that classic Italian flavor boost. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated on top, Parmesan adds an irresistible umami finish to each bowl. crispy potato salad option.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery then sauté until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic followed by canned diced tomatoes. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and releases its sweet aroma.
Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Add vegetable broth along with Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to blend flavors effortlessly.
Cook Pasta and Beans: Stir in Ditalini pasta and drained beans. Allow everything to cook together until pasta is al dente, typically 8-10 minutes depending on brand instructions.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Sample your creation! Adjust seasonings if needed—salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce can elevate flavors further.
Serve Hot with Parmesan: Ladle your warm soup into bowls. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired—it melts beautifully into the soup!
And there you have it! A delightful bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup that’s not only comforting but bursting with flavor. Gather your loved ones around the table; they will surely appreciate your culinary prowess while savoring each spoonful together! orzo and roasted veggies recipe.
You Must Know
- Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting classic
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, creating a cozy dish perfect for chilly nights
- With a few tricks, you can elevate this rustic meal into something extraordinary, impressing even your toughest critics
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for depth of flavor, then add beans and broth. Cook pasta separately to avoid mushiness, and combine everything right before serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different beans or pasta shapes, and add greens like spinach. A sprinkle of fresh herbs will take your soup to the next level.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use high-quality olive oil for sautéing; it enhances flavor significantly
- Remember not to overcook the pasta when combining; it should be al dente
- Lastly, let the soup sit for a bit before serving for flavors to meld beautifully
It reminds me of that one cold winter night when my friends gathered around my kitchen table, bowls steaming with Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Their smiles were worth every chopped onion. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.
FAQ
What is Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat ingredients.
How can I thicken the soup?
Add more beans or mash some against the side of the pot for thickness.
Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Warm up with this hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a comforting Italian classic that combines tender pasta, creamy beans, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, it’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and canned tomatoes; cook until thickened and aromatic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add ditalini pasta and cannellini beans; cook until pasta is al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg