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I bet you have most (if not all) of the ingredients to make Pasta Fagioli soup in your pantry right now. You can turn pantry staples in a hearty healthy meal in less than an hour.
When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes can compare to the rustic charm and heartwarming flavors of Pasta Fagioli soup. This beloved Italian classic is a testament to the nation’s culinary heritage, combining simple yet wholesome ingredients to create a dish that transcends generations and comforts the soul. With its rich history and delicious flavors, Pasta e Fagioli has become a staple not only in Italian kitchens but in households around the world.
Video: Watch Me Make Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli, pronounced “pasta fazool,” is a delightful medley of pasta, beans, and aromatic herbs, all harmoniously simmered together in a tomato-based broth. Its origins can be traced back to the rural regions of Italy, where resourceful cooks used readily available ingredients to create a nourishing and satisfying meal. This peasant dish has since evolved into a cherished classic, embodying the essence of Italian culinary tradition.
Pasta Fagioli Soup – Ingredients and Substitutions
This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a celebration of the humble ingredients that make up the fabric of Italian cuisine. The tender pasta adds a comforting texture, the beans infuse a hearty protein element, and the tomato-based broth is a symphony of flavors that marry beautifully with aromatic herbs. It’s a dish that welcomes you home, whether you’re Italian or simply in search of a bowl of pure comfort.
Use whatever ground meat you desire (beef, pork, chicken, turkey or a combination.) Or you can use a plant-based meat substitute or leave it out entirely to make a vegetarian version.
The beans are also flexible. You can use white canellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans or any bean of your choosing.
Any small pasta will work: ditalini and elbow macaroni both work well. Check the cooking directions for your pasta and add it at the end so it doesn’t get mushy. You can substitute gluten-free pasta or leave it out.
Whether you’ve tried this classic soup at a restaurant, or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a homage to the soul-satisfying tradition of Italian cooking. So, tie on your apron and prepare to simmer a pot of love-infused Pasta Fagioli soup, filling your home with the enticing scents and warmth of Italy.
I bet you have most (if not all) of the ingredients to make Pasta Fagioli soup in your pantry right now. It turns pantry staples in a hearty healthy meal in less than an hour.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
2 – 3 stalks of celery, chopped
olive oil
4 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1pound ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey or meat substitute)
1 14–ounce jar chopped tomatoes
32ounces beef or chicken stock
2 14–ounce cans of drained beans
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
(optional) red pepper flakes
1/2 to 1cup of uncooked small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, small shells)
fresh chopped basil or grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Saute onion, carrot and celery in olive oil over medium high heat until the vegetables start to soften (about 5 minutes.)
Add 1 pound ground meat and cook thoroughly (until meat is no longer pink).
Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in canned tomatoes, beans and stock and seasonings.
Bring soup to a simmer for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour).
Ten minutes before serving, add pasta and cook for 10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped basil and grated parmesan cheese.