Introduction: Can a Hearty Italian Soup Be Simple and Ready in Under 40 Minutes?
Craving a comforting, Italian-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and easy to whip up? Easy Pasta Fagioli combines tender ditalini pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a rich tomato broth infused with vegetables and herbs. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Ready to simmer a bowl of rustic goodness? Let’s dive into this hearty recipe!
Overview: Why Easy Pasta Fagioli Shines
Easy Pasta Fagioli is loved for its robust flavors, simple ingredients, and quick preparation. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking, totaling approximately 40 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires sautéing, simmering, and boiling, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: This classic Italian soup balances the heartiness of pasta and beans with a savory tomato broth, enhanced by aromatic herbs and vegetables. It serves 4, making it great for small families or meal prep.
Perfect with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Easy Pasta Fagioli uses pantry staples for a flavorful, satisfying soup. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables.
- 1 carrot, diced: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 stalk celery, diced: Provides savory crunch.
- 1 thin slice onion, diced: Contributes subtle depth.
- ½ teaspoon chopped garlic: Infuses aromatic flavor.
- 4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy base.
- 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth: Adds savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings herbal freshness.
- ½ tablespoon dried basil leaves: Enhances with warm, aromatic notes.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta: Small pasta perfect for soup.
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creamy texture and protein.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cannellini Beans: Provide creaminess and protein for heartiness.
- Ditalini Pasta: Small shape holds up well in soup.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy broth.
- Vegetables and Herbs: Build a savory, aromatic foundation.
Substitutions and Variations
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or butter.
- Carrot/Celery/Onion: Use ½ cup pre-chopped mirepoix mix or ½ teaspoon each onion and celery powder.
- Garlic: Replace with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Tomato Sauce: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce (adjust seasoning if needed).
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for vegetarian or gluten-free broth for gluten-free.
- Parsley/Basil: Use 1 tablespoon fresh parsley and ½ tablespoon fresh basil, or swap with oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Ditalini Pasta: Replace with small shells, orzo, or gluten-free small pasta.
- Cannellini Beans: Swap with navy beans, great northern beans, or kidney beans.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and ensure pasta is egg-free.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and broth.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Pasta Fagioli: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Meaty Pasta Fagioli: Stir in ½ cup cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
- Cheesy Pasta Fagioli: Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan before serving.
- Veggie-Packed Fagioli: Add ½ cup diced zucchini or spinach with the beans.
- Herb-Infused Fagioli: Include 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary with the herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Easy Pasta Fagioli is a straightforward process that yields a comforting, flavorful soup. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, 1 slice onion, ½ teaspoon garlic, 4 cans tomato sauce, 1 can chicken broth, 1 tablespoon parsley, ½ tablespoon basil, black pepper, 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta, 1 can cannellini beans.
- Dice carrot, celery, and onion; chop garlic; rinse and drain beans.
Tip: Prep vegetables in advance to save time; use a food processor for quick dicing.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced carrot, celery, and onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ½ teaspoon chopped garlic; sauté briefly, about 30 seconds.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; vegetables should be soft but not browned.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
- Stir in 4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce, 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, ½ tablespoon dried basil, and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer; cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Simmer gently to blend flavors; taste and adjust seasoning halfway through.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta; cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Tip: Check pasta early to avoid overcooking; rinse briefly to stop cooking if not adding to soup immediately.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add drained cannellini beans and cooked pasta to the soup; simmer until heated through, 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot, about 1 ½ cups per serving, with crusty bread or a Parmesan sprinkle.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta; serve immediately for the best texture.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Easy Pasta Fagioli
Making Easy Pasta Fagioli is all about creating a hearty, flavorful soup. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Pasta and Beans: Provide heartiness and texture.
- Tomato Broth: Rich, tangy base with herbal depth.
- Vegetables: Add savory crunch and balance.
- Herbs: Infuse classic Italian flavors.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in deep bowls with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for flair.
- Pair with crusty bread, a side salad, or holiday dishes like cedar planked salmon for a festive spread.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Easy Pasta Fagioli is great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers; pasta may soften upon thawing.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep vegetables and broth base up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Cook pasta and assemble soup just before serving to maintain texture.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low, stirring, for 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot. Add a splash of broth if too thick.
- Tip: Cook pasta separately and add fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Recipe Variations
Easy Pasta Fagioli is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Pasta Fagioli: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes with the garlic.
- Vegan Pasta Fagioli: Use vegetable broth and egg-free pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and broth.
- Creamy Pasta Fagioli: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Sausage Pasta Fagioli: Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled Italian sausage with the beans.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal (varies with pasta and broth).
- Protein: Moderate, from beans.
- Fat: Low, from olive oil.
- Carbs: High, from pasta and beans.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Rustic, Hearty Bliss!
Easy Pasta Fagioli is the ultimate Italian comfort soup, blending tender pasta, creamy beans, and a rich tomato broth into a satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings, it’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. So, grab your saucepan, simmer this hearty dish, and enjoy a taste of Italy. We’d love to hear how your soup turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Easy Pasta Fagioli
Description
Craving a comforting, Italian-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and easy to whip up? Easy Pasta Fagioli combines tender ditalini pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a rich tomato broth infused with vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
Easy Pasta Fagioli uses pantry staples for a flavorful, satisfying soup. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables.
- 1 carrot, diced: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 stalk celery, diced: Provides savory crunch.
- 1 thin slice onion, diced: Contributes subtle depth.
- ½ teaspoon chopped garlic: Infuses aromatic flavor.
- 4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy base.
- 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth: Adds savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings herbal freshness.
- ½ tablespoon dried basil leaves: Enhances with warm, aromatic notes.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta: Small pasta perfect for soup.
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creamy texture and protein.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cannellini Beans: Provide creaminess and protein for heartiness.
- Ditalini Pasta: Small shape holds up well in soup.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy broth.
- Vegetables and Herbs: Build a savory, aromatic foundation.
Substitutions and Variations
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or butter.
- Carrot/Celery/Onion: Use ½ cup pre-chopped mirepoix mix or ½ teaspoon each onion and celery powder.
- Garlic: Replace with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Tomato Sauce: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce (adjust seasoning if needed).
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for vegetarian or gluten-free broth for gluten-free.
- Parsley/Basil: Use 1 tablespoon fresh parsley and ½ tablespoon fresh basil, or swap with oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Ditalini Pasta: Replace with small shells, orzo, or gluten-free small pasta.
- Cannellini Beans: Swap with navy beans, great northern beans, or kidney beans.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and ensure pasta is egg-free.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and broth.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Pasta Fagioli: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Meaty Pasta Fagioli: Stir in ½ cup cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
- Cheesy Pasta Fagioli: Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan before serving.
- Veggie-Packed Fagioli: Add ½ cup diced zucchini or spinach with the beans.
- Herb-Infused Fagioli: Include 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary with the herbs.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, 1 slice onion, ½ teaspoon garlic, 4 cans tomato sauce, 1 can chicken broth, 1 tablespoon parsley, ½ tablespoon basil, black pepper, 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta, 1 can cannellini beans.
- Dice carrot, celery, and onion; chop garlic; rinse and drain beans.
Tip: Prep vegetables in advance to save time; use a food processor for quick dicing.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced carrot, celery, and onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ½ teaspoon chopped garlic; sauté briefly, about 30 seconds.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; vegetables should be soft but not browned.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
- Stir in 4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce, 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, ½ tablespoon dried basil, and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer; cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Simmer gently to blend flavors; taste and adjust seasoning halfway through.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta; cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Tip: Check pasta early to avoid overcooking; rinse briefly to stop cooking if not adding to soup immediately.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add drained cannellini beans and cooked pasta to the soup; simmer until heated through, 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot, about 1 ½ cups per serving, with crusty bread or a Parmesan sprinkle.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta; serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Why is my soup too thick?
Too much pasta or reduced broth can cause this; add extra broth or water to thin.
2. Can I use dried beans?
Yes, soak and cook ½ cup dried cannellini beans (yields ~1 ½ cups cooked) before adding.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and broth to make it gluten-free.
4. Why is my pasta mushy?
Overcooking or soaking in soup can cause this; cook pasta al dente and add just before serving.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep broth and vegetables ahead; cook pasta and assemble fresh for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Beans provide protein and fiber; vegetables add vitamins; moderate in fat, ideal for balanced diets.