Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together flavors and textures in a delightful way. This classic Italian-inspired soup is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep for the week. With its rich broth, tender beans, and pasta, it’s a meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, Pasta e Fagioli is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Delicious Flavor: A blend of spices and fresh vegetables creates a savory taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it suits any occasion from casual dinners to special gatherings.
• Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and lean meats, it’s both healthy and satisfying.
• Easily Scalable: Adjust the quantities to serve more guests or save leftovers for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked meat without taking excess fat into the dish.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking of ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 large carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth

• 3 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

For Beans and Seasoning

• 1 15 oz can dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15 oz can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar
• 2 medium bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp sugar (optional)
• 2 tsp dry Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked ditalini pasta
• Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Meats

Heat olive oil over medium high in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
1. Add mild Italian sausage and lean ground beef.
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains.
3. Remove meats with a slotted spoon to a platter. Reserve 3 Tbsp drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot with reserved drippings:
1. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic.
2. Let vegetables simmer over medium heat until tender and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Add these ingredients into the pot:
1. Tomato sauce, vegetable broth, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, dark kidney beans, cannellini beans.
2. Return the cooked sausage and ground beef back to the pot.
3. Stir in vinegar, bay leaves, optional sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Pasta

Remove bay leaves before proceeding:
1. Add cooked ditalini pasta into the pot.
2. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm.

This delicious Pasta e Fagioli is now ready to delight your taste buds! Enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Bread

• Pair your soup with a crusty artisan bread for dipping. The crunchy texture complements the creamy broth beautifully.

Topped with Cheese

• Add grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. It melts into the soup, adding richness and flavor.

Garnished with Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the soup for a burst of freshness. This enhances both the presentation and taste.

Side Salad

• Serve with a simple mixed green salad drizzled with vinaigrette. The crisp greens provide a nice contrast to the warm soup.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Complement your Pasta e Fagioli with grilled seasonal vegetables. They add a smoky flavor and color to your plate.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve Pasta e Fagioli in an edible bread bowl. This makes for a rustic presentation and is perfect for soaking up the broth.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Pasta e Fagioli, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They add more vibrant flavors than their canned or frozen counterparts.

• Cook Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer gently for longer. This deepens the flavors as all ingredients meld together beautifully.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar according to your preference. A little tweak can elevate the entire dish.

• Add More Beans: If you love beans, feel free to mix in extra varieties or use different legumes. They add creaminess and nutrition.

• Experiment with Pasta: While ditalini is traditional, try other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells for variation.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli

Enhance your meal by pairing it with delightful side dishes that complement this classic soup. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Crispy bread brushed with garlic butter is perfect for scooping up every bit of soup.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These caramelized veggies bring a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich soup.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers filled with rice and beans offer a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal.

5. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes for a comforting side that balances the soup’s flavors well.

6. Olive Tapenade Crostini
   Savory olive tapenade spread on toasted baguette slices adds a burst of Mediterranean flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Pasta e Fagioli a success, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Bold Ingredient Choices: Using the wrong type of beans or pasta can alter the dish’s texture. Stick to cannellini and kidney beans for authenticity.
• Bold Overcooking the Pasta: If you add uncooked pasta directly to the soup, it can become mushy. Always cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Bold Skipping the Seasoning: Neglecting herbs and spices can lead to a bland soup. Be generous with Italian seasoning and adjust salt to taste for a flavorful dish.
• Bold Ignoring Texture: A good Pasta e Fagioli should have varied textures. Incorporate diced vegetables and beans for contrast while ensuring they are cooked but not mushy.
• Bold Not Tasting As You Go: Failing to taste your soup during cooking may result in missed flavor adjustments. Regularly sample your dish to achieve the perfect balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• For best quality, consume within 3 months.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, 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 over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Pasta e Fagioli, here are some common questions:

What is Pasta e Fagioli?

Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans, typically enriched with vegetables and seasonings for a hearty meal.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

How long does it take to make Pasta e Fagioli?

The total time is about 60 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick option for dinner.

Is Pasta e Fagioli healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from the beans and lean meat while being loaded with vegetables, making it nutritious and filling.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While ditalini is traditional, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shell pasta works great too.

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for any meal. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!