Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or cold winter nights. It’s freezer-friendly and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This soup combines pasta, beans, and vegetables, creating a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile: Customize your soup by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and store leftovers in the freezer for busy weeknight dinners.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of herbs, tomatoes, and broth creates a rich taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup effortlessly, here are some essential tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and allows for browning meats before simmering the soup.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. Freezer friendly and full of flavor – a dinner the family will love!

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)
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)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup red apple vinegar (OR more broth)
1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)
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. Add the sausage and continue cooking until browned as well, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Cook until starting to soften, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Deglaze

Stir the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the pot until evenly distributed. Pour in the red apple vinegar; cook while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir uncooked Ditalini into soup; cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Mix in drained beans; continue simmering for another 4-5 minutes until pasta is cooked through. Stir in more broth if needed. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to three days.

How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread for dipping into the rich soup.
Garlic Bread: Add garlic butter to toasted bread for a flavorful accompaniment.

Topped with Garnishes

Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle fresh grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and enhances the presentation.

As Part of a Meal

With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette for balance.
Accompanied by Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses complements the hearty flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.

Use High-Quality Broth: Start with a flavorful chicken broth for a richer taste.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your preference.
Cook Pasta Separately: For best texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10 minutes after cooking. This enhances flavors as they meld together.
Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within three days for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
Garlic Knots: Soft garlic knots brushed with butter and herbs make for a perfect dipping companion.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful addition to your meal.
Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with rice, beans, and spices for a hearty side that complements the soup’s flavors.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing keeps the meal balanced and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are a few common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the browning step: Not browning the turkey bacon and sausage can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to brown your meats properly.
Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long will make them mushy. Sauté until they begin to soften, around 4-5 minutes, for the best texture.
Ignoring seasoning levels: Under-seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper gradually to enhance flavors.
Using the wrong pasta type: Choosing pasta that’s too large or cooks quickly can affect the overall texture of your soup. Use Ditalini or any small pasta for best results.
Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing the simmering process won’t develop the flavors fully. Allow at least 15-20 minutes for all ingredients to combine well.
Neglecting to adjust broth levels: The soup may become too thick if you don’t add enough broth after cooking the pasta. Keep extra broth on hand and adjust as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3 days for best flavor and safety.
Let it cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Label containers with date and contents.

Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover soup in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, typically about 10 minutes.

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 rich and flavorful Italian-American dish made with beans, vegetables, pasta, and broth. It’s perfect for cold days!

Can I make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace meats with additional beans or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I customize my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can add different vegetables like spinach or kale, use various types of beans, or even swap out the pasta for another shape according to your preference.

How do I thicken my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in or add more beans during cooking.

Can I use different types of broth?

Absolutely! You can use beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth depending on your taste preferences.

How long does it take to make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 90 minutes including prep and cooking time, making it perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or legumes for a personal touch! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite.