Hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup for Cozy Dinners 🍝🥣✨
1. Introduction
Are you craving a comforting, flavorful Italian pasta fagioli soup that warms you up from the inside out? This traditional Italian pasta and bean soup is perfect for cozy dinners, packed with hearty ingredients and tender pasta. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend meal, this pasta soup recipe offers a delicious fusion of textures and flavors that will become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this soup embodies the comforting spirit of Italian cuisine. Ready to create a bowl of warmth? Let’s get started!
2. Ingredients for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup short pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The garlic should become fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor.
Add the Beans, Tomato, and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the drained cannellini beans. Stir well. Then, add the broth, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
While the soup simmers, cook the short pasta separately in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Add the cooked pasta to the soup pot and stir to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld all flavors.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your rustic Italian pasta fagioli soup!
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Dish
Serve your pasta fagioli soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping. For added richness, top with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Pair it with a light greens salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. This soup also pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure the pasta is egg-free for a vegan version. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Can I substitute the beans?
Yes. Chickpeas or kidney beans are good alternatives if you prefer different beans in your soup.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes approximately 45 minutes, including prep, simmering, and cooking the pasta.
What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they hold up well in the soup and cook quickly.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: A versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to prepare crispy garlic bread or roasted vegetables to serve alongside your soup, elevating your dinner experience.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: This durable cookware set ensures you have the perfect pots and pans for sautéing, boiling, and simmering to create your Italian pasta fagioli soup easily and efficiently.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer: Prepare delicious sides or grilled bread to complement your comforting bowl of pasta fagioli.
8. Final Tips for Making the Best Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Use fresh herbs and good-quality broth for the most authentic flavor. Do not overcook the pasta—add it towards the end to keep it from becoming mushy. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and enjoy a warm bowl of Italian comfort food any time of the year!
9. Conclusion
This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is the ultimate dish for cozy dinners, blending hearty beans, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs into a delicious, nourishing meal. Perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings, you’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it tastes. Embrace the comforting flavors of Italy in your own kitchen—happy cooking!
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Hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup for Cozy Dinners
A classic Italian soup combining beans, pasta, and vegetables in a savory tomato broth, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup small pasta (or ditalini)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and add kidney beans. Cook for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente; drain.
- Add cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kidney beans with cannellini or chickpeas for a different flavor.
- For extra richness, drizzle with olive oil before serving.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg