Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This Italian classic blends rich flavors with nutritious ingredients to create a warm bowl of goodness that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this easy recipe offers both simplicity and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Combining savory ground beef with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs creates a rich, satisfying taste that will leave you wanting more.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for any season, this soup can be enjoyed warm in the fall and winter or as a light dish in summer. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with beans and vegetables, this dish provides plenty of fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice for your family.
• Easily Scalable: Need to feed a crowd? Simply double the recipe to accommodate larger gatherings without any hassle.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easy Pasta e Fagioli efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for evenly cooking all ingredients while providing ample space for simmering.
• Chopping knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of chopping vegetables, ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee balanced flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices

For the Beans

• 1 14 oz can red kidney beans drained
• 1 14 oz can cannellini beans or great northern beans drained

For the Vegetables

• 3 sticks celery chopped finely
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced

For Seasoning

• 1/2 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (or add more to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Place the beef in a soup pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s just browned. It’s best not to drain the fat for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for another 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until softened.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, canned beans, chicken broth, red apple vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Turn up the heat to high and bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, lower the heat and let the soup simmer partially covered for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Add uncooked ditalini pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer until it’s tender—around 15-20 minutes—with the lid slightly ajar. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If planning leftovers, cook pasta separately.

Step 6: Final Touches

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

Enjoy your Easy Pasta e Fagioli as a delicious centerpiece for your next meal!

How to Serve Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Easy Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your dining.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Chili Flakes: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. It complements the soup wonderfully.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a deliciously savory touch that pairs perfectly with the flavors.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl just before serving for a rich, nutty taste.
• Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, sprinkle some plant-based cheese alternatives on top.

As a Main Dish

• Hearty Meal: Enjoy it as the main course. It’s filling and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for dinner.

How to Perfect Easy Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Easy Pasta e Fagioli even better, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Browning: Ensure you brown the beef well at the beginning. It adds depth to the flavor of the soup.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables when possible; they enhance the soup’s overall flavor and texture.
• Broth Quality: Choose a good-quality chicken broth. It serves as the base of your soup and greatly impacts taste.
• Simmering Time: Allow enough simmering time before adding pasta. This lets flavors meld together beautifully.
• Separate Cooking for Leftovers: If saving leftovers, cook pasta separately. This prevents it from becoming mushy when reheated.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings as you go. Adding salt and pepper incrementally helps achieve balanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make an excellent complementary dish.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
5. Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft garlic knots filled with cheese bring an indulgent touch to your meal.
6. Grilled Veggie Platter: A variety of grilled vegetables enhances the meal’s healthiness and flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Easy Pasta e Fagioli can be a delightful experience, but certain pitfalls can diminish its flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the pasta too long in the soup, it can turn mushy. To avoid this, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings.

• Neglecting Seasoning: A bland dish can ruin your meal. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.

• Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is key to a rich flavor in your Easy Pasta e Fagioli. Choose a high-quality chicken broth or make your own for the best results.

• Skipping Fresh Vegetables: Canned vegetables may seem convenient, but fresh veggies enhance flavor and texture. Use fresh carrots, celery, and onions whenever possible.

• Ignoring Cooking Time: Different beans and ingredients have varying cooking times. Follow the instructions closely to ensure everything is cooked evenly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Can I customize my Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or use ground turkey or lamb instead of beef for variety.

How do I store leftovers of Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What type of pasta works best in Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells if preferred.

How can I make Easy Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth while keeping all other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is not just simple to prepare; it’s also versatile and comforting. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of beans. This recipe makes a great weeknight dinner that everyone will love—give it a try!