Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of Italy straight to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prepping for the week, this soup combines lean ground beef with hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. The result is a comforting and satisfying one-pot meal that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein and fiber from the beef and beans, making it a complete meal in itself.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices and fresh vegetables creates a rich, savory flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in different vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen as they sit, making this soup even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for making soups; it allows ample space for all ingredients to simmer together.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

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Ingredients

This pasta fagioli soup recipe is cozy, savory, and full of traditional Italian comfort. Made with lean ground beef, beans, vegetables, pasta, and herbs, it’s a hearty one-pot meal you’ll come back to again and again.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Liquid Components

• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

For Flavoring

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Adding Texture

• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

For Garnishing

• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese, for garnish

How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil to the same pot. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, sugar, and all dried herbs. Return the browned beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the soup simmers, cook ditalini in a separate pot until just shy of al dente. Drain it well before setting aside.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add cooked pasta along with kidney beans and great Northern beans to the soup. Stir gently and let simmer for another 2 minutes. Adjust consistency with extra water if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Stir in minced parsley just before serving. Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for an inviting meal!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

This Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. When serving, there are several delightful options to enhance your meal and impress your guests.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with a loaf of freshly baked crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth perfectly.

Topped with Cheese

• Sprinkle finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl for an added layer of richness and flavor.

Paired with Salad

• Offer a side of mixed green salad dressed lightly in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the soup.

With Garlic Bread

• Serve alongside garlic bread for a deliciously crunchy complement to the soup’s softness.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving enhances the flavors and adds a touch of luxury.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with minced fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

To achieve the best results with this Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs when possible. They enhance the overall flavor and nutritional value.

• Adjust seasoning wisely: Taste the broth before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This ensures a well-balanced flavor profile.

• Cook pasta separately: Cooking ditalini pasta separately helps prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup. Add it just before serving for optimal texture.

• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, making each spoonful even more delicious.

• Customize beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans according to your preference. This adds variety in texture and taste.

• Save leftovers correctly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding water if necessary to maintain consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad – A refreshing combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic reduction that complements the soup nicely.
2. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil makes for a delightful appetizer.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition; choose favorites like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots.
4. Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and cheese offers variety before digging into the soup.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits filled with gooey cheese pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice, herbs, and cheese provide a hearty side that complements Italian flavors.
7. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch and a tangy contrast to the warm soup.
8. Polenta Cakes – Creamy polenta cakes fried until crispy offer an interesting texture that pairs well with hearty soups like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style), it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: This can lead to mushy textures in your soup. Sauté them just until softened for the best results.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping or under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
• Using Too Much Water: Adding too much water can dilute flavors. Start with the recommended amount and adjust gradually.
• Not Browning the Meat Properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
• Skipping the Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip them; they add depth and freshness to your dish.
• Ignoring Pasta Cooking Time: Cooking pasta too long in the soup can turn it mushy. Add it towards the end for perfect texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style).

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute any beans you like, such as black beans or cannellini beans, for variety.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Pasta Fagioli Soup, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What is the best type of pasta to use?

Ditalini pasta is traditional in this recipe, but feel free to use any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells.

How do I store leftovers from my Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is a delicious blend of flavors that brings comfort on chilly days. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to try it out; you’ll find yourself returning to this hearty one-pot meal time and again!