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 or cozy nights in, offering a rich blend of flavors that will satisfy any appetite. It’s freezer-friendly, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or last-minute meals. Enjoy the unique combination of hearty ingredients that come together to create a nourishing bowl of soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Warm: This soup is a perfect way to warm up on cold days, providing comfort in every bite.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, beans, and spices, each serving bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Meal Option: Suitable for lunch or dinner, it can be served alone or with crusty bread.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this soup is a breeze.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup efficiently, having the right tools will make all the difference. Gather these essential kitchen items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, it allows for browning meats and simmering soups perfectly.
• Sharp knife: Ensures you can chop vegetables quickly and safely, saving time in preparation.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware while mixing ingredients thoroughly.

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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!

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 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)

For Seasoning and Flavor

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

For the Tomato Base

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

For Broth and Beans

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

To Serve

• 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 to the pot. Cook until they start to soften, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Deglaze

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly mixed. Pour in the red apple vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir uncooked Ditalini pasta into the soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Next, stir in both drained bean varieties; continue simmering for another 4–5 minutes until pasta is cooked through and beans are heated through. If necessary, add more broth during cooking to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately topped with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup! Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days for easy reheating later on.

How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making it a delightful meal. Here are some creative ways to present this soup that your family will love.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette and serve it alongside the soup for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Toast slices of bread with garlic butter for an extra flavorful accompaniment.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added richness.
• Mozzarella: Add small pieces of mozzarella cheese that melt into the warm soup, creating a creamy texture.

Garnished with Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Brighten up the dish with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves as a garnish for an aromatic touch.

Served in Bowls

• Rustic Bowls: Use rustic ceramic bowls to serve the soup, which adds to the homemade comfort feel.
• Family Style: Serve a large pot at the table for a family-style meal, allowing everyone to help themselves.

How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be simple with a few tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your soup-making game.

• Bold Flavors: Don’t shy away from seasoning! Add salt and pepper gradually while tasting to ensure optimal flavor.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality canned tomatoes and broth for a richer taste in your soup.
• Fresh Veggies: Always opt for fresh vegetables. They provide better texture and flavor compared to frozen or canned options.
• Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer longer if possible; this enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup gets too thick, add extra chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

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

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots flavored with garlic make a perfect pairing to soak up the soup.
2. Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: These offer a hearty complement, filled with grains or legumes for added nutrition.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and can be easily prepared alongside the soup.
5. Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese provide a deliciously gooey contrast.
6. Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, bruschetta is light yet flavorful, ideal alongside your hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Boldly Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it will become mushy in the soup. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to maintain the right texture.

• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate your soup’s flavor. Avoid using only dried herbs; try adding fresh parsley or basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Not seasoning properly can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors throughout the cooking process.

• Not Using Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality canned tomatoes or broth can impact taste. Opt for fire-roasted canned tomatoes and high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor profile.

• Neglecting Leftover Storage: Improper storage can spoil your soup quickly. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating or freezing in airtight containers.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Divide into portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup that may help you along the way.

How do I make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

You can easily transform this soup into a vegetarian version by omitting meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans and vegetables for heartiness.

Can I use different types of pasta in Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! While Ditalini is traditional, you can substitute any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shells according to your preference.

How long does Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup last?

When stored properly, this soup lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer without compromising its flavor.

What are some good sides for serving with Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

A fresh salad or crusty bread pairs beautifully with this soup. You might also enjoy it alongside garlic bread for dipping!

Final Thoughts

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different meats, vegetables, or beans based on what you have on hand. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!