Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs simmered together in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual weekend gatherings, this soup brings warmth and comfort to the table. With its robust flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Satisfying: Each bowl is filled with rich tomatoes, beans, and spices that create a comforting experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this soup in under an hour.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from turkey sausage and fiber from beans, it’s a healthy choice for any meal.
• Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite beans or pasta types to make it your own.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or quick reheating during the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready makes the preparation of Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without overcrowding ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quicker and safer.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your soup.

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

For the Broth

• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 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

Seasonings

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

For the Pasta

• 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: Brown the Sausage

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

Step 2: Sauté 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 Broth Ingredients

Add the chicken broth along with cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

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

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves from the soup. Off heat, stir in Parmesan cheese. If needed for consistency add more broth or water. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

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

Notes: Soup thickens as it sits; add more broth when reheating if necessary. Spicy turkey sausage adds great flavor but feel free to use mild according to your preference.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making the dining experience enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness.
• Grated Cheese: Add freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for a savory finish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a kick, these add heat and flavor.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of rustic Italian bread for dipping.
• Salad: A light green salad complements the soup’s heartiness well.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A splash of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavor profile.

Presentation

• Soup Bowls: Use warm, deep bowls to serve the soup, keeping it hot longer.
• Rustic Table Setting: Create an inviting atmosphere with simple table decor, such as cloth napkins and candlelight.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup stand out, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and quality tomatoes to enhance flavor.
• Adjust Thickness: If your soup thickens too much while sitting, simply add broth or water when reheating.
• Mix Beans: Combine different beans for varied texture and taste in every spoonful.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook your pasta al dente separately if you prefer it to maintain its shape longer in leftovers.
• Flavor Boosting: Let the soup sit for a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavors before serving.

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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 excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes an ideal companion for dipping.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil enhances the Italian theme.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer bright flavors.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives adds variety to the meal.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring additional nutritional value and color to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can be straightforward, but small errors can affect the outcome. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Using low-quality broth: Always use good-quality low sodium chicken broth. This enhances the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Overcooking pasta: Cooking pasta directly in the soup may lead to mushy results. Add it towards the end and cook just until al dente.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme elevate the soup’s taste. Dried herbs won’t provide the same depth of flavor, so opt for fresh whenever possible.
• Ignoring seasoning: Be generous with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Not discarding bay leaves: Bay leaves should be removed before serving, as they are not edible and can spoil the experience.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in separate portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and savory herbs simmered in a rich tomato broth.

Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute turkey sausage with more beans and add extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

The soup will last up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the pasta or add it fresh when reheating.

What type of pasta is best for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini work best as they hold up well during cooking and make it easy to enjoy every spoonful.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also full of nutrition due to its blend of beans and vegetables. Its versatility allows for modifications based on your preferences, whether you want it spicier or creamier. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a perfect meal ready any night of the week!