There’s something undeniably charming about a bowl of The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup! Picture this: warm, hearty goodness enveloped in a rich broth, dotted with tender pasta and beans, all mingling together like old friends at a family reunion. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table, ready to dive into a comforting bowl of nostalgia.
As I prepare this delightful dish, memories flood back of chilly nights spent huddled with loved ones over steaming bowls. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for those moments when life demands a little extra warmth. Whether it’s a rainy day or simply an excuse to gather friends and family, The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup delivers flavor and comfort that leaves you longing for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This soup is not only easy to whip up but also packs a punch of flavors that will make your taste buds dance
- You can customize the ingredients based on what’s available in your pantry
- It presents beautifully with vibrant colors and aromas that will impress anyone who joins your dinner party
- Perfect for cozy nights but versatile enough for meal prep throughout the week
I still remember the first time I made this soup for my friends; their faces lit up with delight after just one spoonful!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor and richness.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely for even cooking.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots bring color and sweetness; use small diced pieces for even cooking.
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Celery: Celery adds crunch and aromatic depth; aim for fresh stalks.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; mince them finely to release their full flavor.
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Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a rich base; they should be high-quality for best results.
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Canned Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans add protein; drain and rinse them before adding.
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Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini work well; cook al dente as they’ll continue cooking in the soup.
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Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium vegetable broth to control saltiness; it enriches the soup’s flavor.
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Fresh Herbs (Parsley & Bay Leaf): Fresh parsley brings brightness while bay leaf infuses subtle depth—don’t skip them!
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Salt and Pepper: Season generously throughout cooking; taste regularly to adjust flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing the Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, stirring often until softened—about 5 minutes—until they smell sweet.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—around 1 minute—before adding canned tomatoes along with their juices. Let it simmer together, creating a beautiful medley.
Incorporate Broth and Beans: Pour in vegetable broth and toss in drained cannellini beans. Bring everything to a gentle boil while you enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
Add Pasta and Seasonings: Once boiling, add your pasta along with bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, letting it simmer until pasta is cooked al dente—around 8-10 minutes.
Finishing Touches!: Remove bay leaf before stirring in freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; feel free to add more salt or pepper if desired!
Enjoy each spoonful of The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup! It’s not just food—it’s love served warm in every bowl!
You Must Know
- The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl
- The combination of beans and pasta creates a comforting texture that warms the soul while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas
- This soup is perfect for chilly days!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add your beans and broth before cooking the pasta separately. This method ensures everything cooks evenly, and you won’t end up with mushy noodles.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cannellini beans for borlotti beans or add some kale for extra nutrition. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for an added flavor boost that will send your taste buds dancing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavors in this soup, always use fresh herbs
- Don’t skip on seasoning; it enhances every component in your dish
- Lastly, enjoy the process—cooking should be fun and creative!
The first time I made The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup, my friends devoured it! They kept asking for the recipe, which made me feel like a culinary rock star!
FAQ
Can I use other types of beans in The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute kidney beans or even lentils for variety.
How long does it take to make The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish to prepare this delicious soup.
Can I freeze The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to three months; just reheat when ready to enjoy!
The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a comforting bowl of rich broth filled with tender pasta and creamy cannellini beans. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with loved ones, delivering a delightful mix of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to customize, this soup brings both nostalgia and nourishment to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (high-quality)
- 15 oz canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add crushed tomatoes with their juices; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add drained cannellini beans. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add pasta, bay leaf, salt, and pepper; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is cooked al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Remove bay leaf and stir in chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider swapping cannellini beans for borlotti beans or adding kale. You can also top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
