Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, providing a delicious blend of flavors that everyone will love. It’s freezer-friendly, making it easy to prepare ahead of time for those busy weekdays or chilly evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 90 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy the rich taste of Italian herbs combined with hearty beans and pasta, ensuring a satisfying meal.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this soup fits any occasion, from cozy family nights to festive gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein from beans and turkey bacon, it’s nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and store leftovers in your freezer for quick meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, perfect for browning meats and simmering soups.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring an even mix of ingredients.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)

Vegetables

• 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced) (about 1 ½ cups)
• 5 medium celery stalks (diced) (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 small-medium onions (peeled and diced) (about 1 ½ cups)
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)

Flavorings

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup red apple vinegar (OR more broth)

Tomato Base

• 1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)

Broth & Seasoning

• 5 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For Serving

• 1 cup dry Ditalini pasta
• 1 (15-oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (15-oz) can white cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• Grated parmesan (to serve – optional)
• Chopped parsley (to serve – optional)

How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Turkey Bacon and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Then add the crumbled Italian sausage, cooking until browned as well, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until they start to soften, around 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Season and Deglaze

Stir in the tomato paste along with Italian seasoning and garlic powder until evenly distributed. Pour in the red apple vinegar to deglaze the pot—scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir uncooked Ditalini pasta into the soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Then stir in both drained beans. Continue simmering for another 4–5 minutes until everything is heated through. If desired, add more broth to achieve preferred consistency.

Serve immediately topped with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if you like. Enjoy this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup warm! Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.

How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Baguette Slices: Serve slices of crusty baguette on the side for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair this soup with buttery garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for aromatic hints that complement the soup’s flavors.

As a Main Course

• Serve in Bowls: Ladle the soup into deep bowls, allowing each person to savor every spoonful.
• Garnish with Cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle grated parmesan on top before serving.

How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Creating the perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the overall taste. Fresh basil or thyme can make a big difference.
• Proper Cooking Time: Allow the soup to simmer adequately; this brings out the rich flavors from all ingredients.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize by adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add extra broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup while cooking. Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Complement your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with these delicious side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies make a hearty addition.
3. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese provide a comforting side option.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that pair well with the soup.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit when served alongside warm soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the turkey bacon and sausage can lead to a bland soup. Always take the time to brown your meats for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they start to soften for the best texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Adding salt too early can result in overly salty soup. Taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking for a balanced flavor.
• Using regular pasta instead of Ditalini: Substituting with larger pasta shapes can change the soup’s consistency. Stick with Ditalini for the authentic experience.
• Not simmering long enough: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow at least 15-20 minutes for a rich taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup:

What is Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and flavorful broth. It’s perfect for warming up on cold days.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the turkey bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives or simply omit them. You can also enhance the flavor with extra vegetables and herbs.

How do I customize my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach. You can also swap out pasta shapes based on your preference!

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a different taste.

What should I serve with Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. This warming dish makes for great leftovers too! Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting meal with your family!