Pasta E Fagioli Hearty Italian Bean Pasta Soup
Recipe Introduction: Pasta e Fagioli
Fancy a bowl of comfort? Seriously, who doesn't love a good comfort food soup , especially when it’s pasta e fagioli soup ? This is like a warm hug on a cold day.
It's proper lush.
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something hearty and simple? This easy pasta soup recipe hits the spot. It's packed with flavour and those classic Italian vibes, innit ? This is one of the best Italian bean soup
Brief Overview
Pasta e fagioli , meaning pasta and beans, hails from Italy. It's a rustic Italian soup . My version is super easy.
It takes about an hour, start to finish. This pasta and beans recipe makes six servings. Perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This soup is super healthy. Cannellini beans pack a protein punch. It's also a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
Serve this cannellini bean soup on a chilly evening. Honestly, what makes this vegetarian pasta e fagioli special is its simplicity.
It’s proper wholesome food. Plus, it's budget friendly soup .
Want to get going on something quick and easy? Honestly, is a perfect quick weeknight soup .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, mateys! So, you wanna whip up some proper pasta e fagioli soup ? This Italian bean soup is all about simple ingredients, done right.
No need to be intimidated, even if you're not exactly the next Gordon Ramsay, alright? Let's break down what you'll need for this easy pasta soup recipe .
Main Ingredients: The Heart of This Comfort Food Soup
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) – Go for a good quality one, it makes a difference!
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (about 1 cup) Yellow onion is best.
- Carrots: 2, peeled and finely chopped (about ¾ cup) Adds a bit of sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped (about ½ cup) Classic Italian combo.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced Don't skimp on the garlic, you know?
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.4 Liters) – Chicken broth works too.
- Cannellini beans: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g), rinsed and drained These are the star of the show! Look for firm, not mushy beans. You can definitely use dried ones too, but remember to soak them overnight, like Grandma used to do.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g) – Adds that classic Italian flavour.
- Ditalini pasta recipe : ½ cup (approx. 50g) – This is the traditional pasta, but don't stress if you don't have it. Elbow macaroni works fine too.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs!
- Oregano & Basil: 1 teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil – This combo just screams "Italy".
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional) – For a little kick! Vegetarian pasta e fagioli or not, spice is always great!
- Salt & pepper: To taste Don't be shy!
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped For garnish and freshness. Honestly, it brightens up the soup so nicely!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is where the magic happens.
- Cutting board & chef's knife: For chopping veggies, obviously.
- Ladle: For serving up this delicious cannellini bean soup .
That's it! Pretty straightforward, eh? No need for fancy gadgets. This recipe is budget friendly soup is about good ingredients and a little bit of love.
Next, we'll dive into the actual cooking. Get ready to make some rustic Italian soup that'll knock your socks off! It makes the perfect quick weeknight soup
Cooking Up Comfort: My Take on Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Alright, let's talk pasta e fagioli soup . It is essentially Italian bean soup that's like a warm hug on a cold day.
It's one of those easy pasta soup recipes that feels like it's been passed down through generations. My Nonna (well, my imaginary Nonna I'm not actually Italian!) would totally approve!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get organized. This is the essential mise en place. Chop your 1 medium yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .
Mince those 2 garlic cloves . Get the dried oregano , dried basil , and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!) ready.
Honestly, doing this bit beforehand saves so much stress!
step-by-step: From Humble Ingredients to Heaven
Okay, here we go:
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
- Add the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 can (15-ounce) cannellini beans and 1 can (15-ounce) crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, letting all those gorgeous flavours meld. It is a rustic Italian soup that needs its time!
- Add ½ cup ditalini pasta . Cook until al dente, about 8- 10 minutes . Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Soup Success
Want to elevate your pasta e fagioli game? Here are a few tricks. Don't overcook the pasta!. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
Also, if you have a Parmesan rind kicking about, chuck it in while simmering. The flavour is incredible!. And to make this budget friendly soup even easier, you can make it ahead and freeze it.
Just cook the pasta separately when you're ready to serve. I remember one time I tried to rush the simmering step and the soup just didn't have the same depth of flavour.
Learn from my mistakes, people! It's such a quick weeknight soup, you'll feel like you're cheating! You can always adjust it as vegetarian pasta e fagioli or adapt it to your diet.
Enjoy your pasta and beans recipe . Now go make some deliciousness!
Recipe Notes for the Best Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Alright, let's talk about making this rustic Italian soup your own. Cooking is all about experimenting, you know? Don't be afraid to tweak things to your liking. Honestly, that's half the fun!
Serving it Up: Pasta and Beans Recipe Perfection
So, you've got this amazing Italian bean soup . How do you make it look as good as it tastes? Presentation matters! Try ladling it into rustic bowls.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley always adds a nice touch. A drizzle of good olive oil? Even better!
For sides, some crusty bread is a must. It's perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. A simple salad can balance the richness.
Think about a crisp vinaigrette to cut through the heartiness. For a drink, a light bodied red wine goes well with this comfort food soup .
Storing Your Leftovers: Cannellini Bean Soup for Days
Got leftovers of this easy pasta soup recipe ? Lucky you! This pasta e fagioli soup tastes even better the next day.
Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely first. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: This ditalini pasta recipe freezes well! Freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches. It's a total lifesaver on busy weeknights! Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally. You might need to add a little broth if it's thickened up too much.
You can also microwave it. Just be sure to stir it halfway through.
Twists and Turns: Variations on Your Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli
Want to shake things up a bit? Of course, you do!
Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian or vegan version, make sure your broth is veggie friendly. Skip the parmesan or use a vegan alternative. Easy peasy!
Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, you could add some roasted butternut squash. During summer, fresh basil from the garden is divine. Use whatever is in season!
Nutrition Lowdown: Budget Friendly Soup that's Good for You
This quick weeknight soup isn't just delicious, it's pretty good for you too! It's packed with fiber and protein. This will keep you full and happy.
One serving has roughly 250-300 calories. There's also about 12-15 grams of protein. Keep in mind these are estimates, you know?
Honestly, this pasta e fagioli soup is more than just a meal. It’s a hug in a bowl. So, get cooking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Pasta e Fagioli soup, anyway? Is it just beans and pasta thrown together?
Pasta e Fagioli, which translates to "pasta and beans," is a hearty and comforting Italian soup. But it's so much more than just those two ingredients! It's a symphony of flavors featuring a rich broth, aromatics like garlic and herbs, and often some vegetables for a nutritional boost.
Think of it as the Italian equivalent of a good old-fashioned hug.
Can I make pasta e fagioli soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Pasta e Fagioli often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
What kind of pasta is best for pasta e fagioli soup? Does it have to be ditalini?
Ditalini is the classic choice for pasta e fagioli, but don't feel like you're stuck in the mud if you don't have it. Any small pasta shape works great elbow macaroni, small shells, or even broken spaghetti will do the trick.
The key is to choose a shape that's easy to eat with a spoon, like you are sitting down for afternoon tea.
My pasta e fagioli soup is too thick/thin! How do I fix it?
Consistency is key! If your Pasta e Fagioli is too thick, simply stir in a little more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also blend a little more of the soup to help thicken it.
Can I freeze leftover pasta e fagioli soup?
You can freeze it, but be aware that the pasta might get a little soft when thawed. To minimize this, cook the pasta slightly less than al dente if you plan to freeze the soup. Store in freezer safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth.
I'm trying to eat healthier. How can I lighten up this pasta e fagioli soup recipe?
There are several ways to make Pasta e Fagioli a bit lighter. First, use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content. You can also reduce the amount of pasta or use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Finally, load up on the veggies add extra carrots, celery, or even some spinach for a nutritional boost. Just be sure to check the sodium levels in your canned goods, like the beans and tomatoes, and opt for low-sodium options when possible!
Pasta E Fagioli Hearty Italian Bean Pasta Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 9g |
