This easy and comforting Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup is a family heirloom that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. The unique blend of beans, tomatoes, and pasta creates a delightful meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in less than 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of turkey, beans, and tomatoes offers a rich taste that’s sure to warm your soul.
- Family Tradition: This recipe comes from cherished family traditions, ensuring authentic flavor in every bowl.
- Versatile Dish: Great on its own or as a side to your favorite bread; it’s sure to please everyone.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and turkey, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools ready. Preparing the right equipment will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Food processor (or knife for manual chopping)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together perfectly.
- Food processor: Speeds up the chopping process for onions and garlic, saving valuable prep time.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while preventing burning.
Ingredients
This easy, authentic pasta fagioli soup recipe is a family heirloom and takes less than 45 minutes start to finish.
For the Base
- 1 28oz can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
- 48oz chicken broth
For the Protein
- 2 14.5oz cans of cannellini beans
- 4oz imported turkey slices, diced
For Flavor
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the Pasta
- 1lb box of ditalini pasta (Barilla brand)
How to Make Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring up a pot of salted water and boil the ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain when it is firm and still al dente—about 6-7 minutes. The pasta will soften further once added to the soup.
Step 2: Prepare Aromatics
Using a food processor or by hand:
* Dice the onion
* Mince the garlic
Step 3: Sauté Onions
Cover the bottom of a medium-large pot with olive oil (about 1/4 cup). Sauté the diced onions over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Stir often to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Cook Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pot. Cook for one minute while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 5: Add Turkey
Stir in diced turkey slices and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Incorporate Beans
Add cannellini beans with their juice to the pot. Bring this mixture to a low boil while stirring frequently.
Step 7: Process Tomatoes
Remove tomatoes from their can by hand and place them into a food processor. Do not add any juice; pulse once or twice just to break them up.
Step 8: Combine Broth
Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring everything back to a boil.
Step 9: Season
Season with ground pepper according to your taste preference.
Step 10: Add Tomatoes
Stir in processed tomatoes, then reduce heat to very low simmer for about 15 minutes so flavors can meld.
Step 11: Serve
Serve hot with freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese on top, along with crushed red pepper flakes if desired, paired with warm crusty bread.
How to Serve Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup
Serving Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and comforting texture. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this traditional dish.
With Freshly Grated Cheese
- Pecorino Romano: Sprinkle some freshly grated Pecorino Romano on top for a salty, nutty flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: A classic choice, freshly grated Parmesan adds a creamy richness that elevates each spoonful.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Warm Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette for dipping. The crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up the soup.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra kick, pair your soup with garlic bread, which adds a delicious, aromatic flavor.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of color and a fragrant herbal note.
- Parsley: Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish and added brightness.
How to Perfect Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup
To achieve the most authentic flavor in your Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- bold Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes and good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- bold Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the ditalini pasta until it’s just al dente; it will continue cooking in the soup.
- bold Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper as needed for balance.
- bold Add More Veggies: Enhance nutritional value by adding more vegetables like carrots or celery to the mix.
- bold Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pairing your pasta fagioli soup with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.
- bold Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide caramelized sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.
- bold Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze, bruschetta adds a vibrant touch to your meal.
- bold Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, and spices, making them a wholesome addition alongside the soup.
- bold Antipasto Platter: Include olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses for an Italian-inspired spread that complements the soup well.
- bold Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters add texture and flavor while being light enough not to overshadow the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the al dente rule: Cooking the pasta too long can lead to mushy pasta in your soup. Always follow the package instructions and aim for al dente.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic is key to developing flavor. Don’t rush this step; take time to make them fragrant and translucent.
- Using the wrong beans: Not all beans work well in Pasta Fagioli. Stick with cannellini beans for authenticity and a creamy texture.
- Not seasoning properly: Seasoning at the end can lead to bland soup. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking.
- Overloading on tomatoes: Using too many tomatoes can overpower other flavors. Stick to one 28oz can for balance.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness to your soup. Consider adding a sprinkle of parsley or basil when serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
-
- Timeframe*: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
- Container*: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freezing Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup
-
- Timeframe*: Freeze for up to 3 months.
-
- Container*: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
Reheating Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls on medium power, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup that many readers have.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, while cannellini beans are traditional, you can substitute with other white beans as needed.
How do I make Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip any meat ingredients like turkey slices.
What should I serve with this soup?
Serve it warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How long does it take to prepare Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup?
The total time is about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick dinner option.
Final Thoughts
Nona’s Authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding more vegetables or different proteins based on what you have on hand. Try making this delicious recipe today and enjoy a taste of tradition!