Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this soup combines savory beef, hearty beans, and tender pasta in a rich tomato broth. With its robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful and Hearty: A blend of spices and fresh vegetables ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 10 servings, it’s great for family gatherings or meal prep for the week.
• Nourishing Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is not only filling but also healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe, gather your cooking tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for browning meat and simmering large quantities of soup evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pots while ensuring even cooking of ingredients.

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 Tomato Mixture

• 2-14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce

For the Beans

• 15 ounce can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounce can Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)

For the Broth

• 2 ½ cups V-8 juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Parmesan rind (optional)

For the Pasta

• 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, add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain most of the grease from the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Return the beef to the pot.
2. Add in the onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic.
3. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Simmer

1. Stir in Italian seasoning and dried sweet basil; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red kidney beans, Great Northern beans, V-8 juice, salt, pepper, and optional parmesan rind.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer for 50 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately

1. While soup simmers, cook ditali pasta in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain pasta once cooked.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Soup

1. Stir cooked pasta into the soup mixture.
2. Let cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove parmesan rind before serving if used.
2. Top each bowl with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your warm bowl of hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pasta e fagioli soup is a deliciously comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or ciabatta works perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an extra flavor boost. The crunchy texture complements the soup nicely.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: A few whole basil leaves add aromatic notes and elevate the dish’s presentation.

With Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Top your soup with grated parmesan cheese for a rich and savory finish.
• Mozzarella Balls: Add small mozzarella balls for a fun twist and added creaminess.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

To ensure your pasta e fagioli soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate the flavors of your soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta separately until just al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the hot soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference before serving.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a while enhances the flavors, making it even tastier when served later.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your pasta e fagioli soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad adds freshness and balances the hearty flavors of the soup.
2. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, marinated artichokes, and assorted cheeses for an appetizer that complements Italian cuisine.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a colorful and healthy side that pairs well with the richness of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables make an excellent companion dish.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing touch.
6. Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries provide a unique twist that pairs nicely with the soup’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a delicious pasta e fagioli soup, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish is flavorful and satisfying.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always choose fresh produce and high-quality canned goods. Fresh vegetables enhance the soup’s flavor, while good-quality beans and tomatoes make a significant difference.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta separately helps maintain its texture. Always cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook when added to the soup.

• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: The flavors develop during cooking, so taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Adding salt or spices at the end can enhance overall taste.

• Skipping Sautéing Vegetables: Sautéing vegetables before adding liquids is crucial for building flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to your soup.

• Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time: Letting the soup simmer allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Aim for at least 50 minutes of simmering for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the pasta e fagioli soup recipe to help you get the most out of this dish.

What is a traditional Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

A traditional pasta e fagioli soup recipe combines pasta with beans, tomatoes, and vegetables simmered in broth, creating a hearty meal.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or even switch up the beans based on your preference.

How long does Pasta e Fagioli Soup last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Is there a vegetarian version of Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of V-8 juice for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This hearty pasta e fagioli soup recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a unique twist! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 1x

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Description

Warm up your evenings with this hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup recipe, a comforting Italian classic that the whole family will love. This delicious dish features lean ground beef, protein-packed beans, and tender ditalini pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs. It’s an ideal choice for chilly nights or meal prep, providing nourishment and flavor in every bowl. Versatile and easy to customize, this soup is perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 cans (15 oz each) beans (red kidney & Great Northern)
• 2.5 cups V-8 juice
• 8 ounces dry ditali pasta

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess grease.
2. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; sauté until vegetables soften (5-10 minutes).
3. Stir in Italian seasoning and basil; cook briefly before adding tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, V-8 juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for about 50 minutes.
4. Cook ditalini pasta separately until al dente; drain.
5. Stir pasta into the soup and let cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg