Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and nourishing ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this hearty soup features zesty sausage, fresh vegetables, and beans simmered in a savory tomato broth. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion—from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. You’ll cherish its warmth and the delightful blend of Italian herbs.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
• Step 2: Add Vegetables
• Step 3: Incorporate Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Broth & Beans
• Step 5: Simmer the Soup
• Step 6: Cook the Pasta
• Step 7: Final Touches
• Step 8: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• With Crusty Bread
• With Fresh Salad
• With Cheese
• How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
• How can I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• What should I serve with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• How long does Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich in Flavor: The combination of sausage, beans, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s truly satisfying.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in just 40 minutes.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, it’s both filling and healthy.
• Versatile Meal: Great as a main dish or as a side, this soup pairs well with crusty bread or a salad.
• Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for busy nights.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for accommodating all the ingredients while allowing even heat distribution.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is packed with lean protein, tender vegetables, savory herbs, and two types of beans in a rich tomato broth. It’s comforting, filling, and brimming with classic Italian flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound mild or spicy ground turkey or chicken sausage (casings removed)
* 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
* 3 medium carrots, finely diced
* 2 medium celery ribs, finely diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
* 1 can (14.5 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can (14.5 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
* 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
* 1 cup (4 oz) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
* 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
* ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
* Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

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How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until it starts to brown. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the pot. Sauté for about 6 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Broth & Beans

Pour in the chicken broth along with cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil over high heat.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the dried pasta and continue to simmer for another 9–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Stir in freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. If needed, add more broth or water to adjust thickness. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Serve the soup hot garnished with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup is perfect on its own but also pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• Rustic Baguette – Serve slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that complements the soup.

With Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Mixed Green Salad – Lightly dressed mixed greens add brightness and balance to your meal.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grate fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano over the soup for an extra cheesy touch.
• Mozzarella Balls – Add small mozzarella balls for a delightful, creamy texture.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

To achieve the best results when making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, keep these tips in mind to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh rosemary and thyme can significantly boost the flavor compared to dried herbs.
• Adjust Consistency – If the soup thickens too much, add some broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Choose Quality Sausage – Select a good quality turkey sausage for better taste; spicy versions offer more flavor.
• Don’t Rush Cooking Time – Allowing vegetables to soften properly ensures they release their flavors fully.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a bit before serving helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Garnish Generously – Don’t skip on garnishes like parsley and cheese, as they add freshness and richness.

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Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil makes a fresh appetizer.
2. Caprese Salad – Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a light complement.
3. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses provides variety and texture.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa add heartiness to your meal.
5. Garlic Knots – Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for mopping up the soup.
6. Focaccia Bread – This soft, herb-infused bread is delightful with any soup and adds an Italian touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, you want to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind.

• Using low-quality ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth. This enhances the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can lead to mushy results. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to elevate the dish.
• Ignoring the herbs: Fresh herbs give this soup its signature Italian flavor. Don’t skip them or use dried herbs as a substitute.
• Not allowing it to simmer: Skimping on simmer time can result in less developed flavors. Allow the soup to simmer for at least five minutes after adding all ingredients.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe pot covered with foil until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding broth or water if needed to adjust consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty dish made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and sausage in a rich tomato broth. It’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the sausage with more vegetables or use a meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can add more vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, use different types of beans, or even switch up the pasta shape according to your preference.

What should I serve with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How long does Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

It will last about 4 days in an airtight container when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is sure to impress everyone around your table!

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