PASTA FAGIOLI: SOUL-SOOTHING SOUP

I remember my Nonna making Pasta Fagioli on cold winter days, the aroma filling her tiny kitchen with warmth and love. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a hug in a bowl, a taste of home that instantly transported me back to childhood. Now, I’m sharing a version that’s just as comforting but incredibly simple: my Easy Pasta Fagioli- Quick Comfort Food recipe. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Pasta Fagioli- Quick Comfort Food you’ll ever make!

The Magic of Pasta Fagioli: A Culinary Embrace

Pasta Fagioli, which translates to “pasta and beans,” is more than just a simple soup; it’s a celebration of rustic Italian flavors. This dish is humble, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined with love and care, can create something truly extraordinary. Forget fancy ingredients and complicated techniques – this recipe is all about ease and deliciousness. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together and how deeply satisfying it is.

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe

This isn’t just any Pasta Fagioli recipe. It’s:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.
• Incredibly Flavorful: A rich, savory broth with tender pasta and creamy beans.
• Comforting: A warm, hearty bowl that will nourish your soul.

Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, friend, let’s get started! Don’t worry; I’ll be with you every step of the way. This recipe is foolproof, and I promise you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of delicious Pasta Fagioli in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (I prefer chicken for a richer flavor)
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta shape)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender and fragrant, releasing all their delicious flavors into the oil.
2. Add the Garlic and Spices: Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn! This is crucial for building a flavorful base.
3. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to your soup.
4. Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the cannellini beans and kidney beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. The simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente – slightly firm to the bite. No one likes mushy pasta!
6. Season to Perfection: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, taste as you go! You can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Pasta Fagioli into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good quality olive oil is also a wonderful addition.

Success Tips for Perfect Pasta Fagioli

Here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure your Pasta Fagioli turns out amazing every single time. These are the little secrets that elevate this soup from good to absolutely unforgettable!

• The Bean Boost: For extra creaminess, mash about 1/2 cup of the cannellini beans before adding them to the soup. This creates a thicker, more luxurious texture.
• Broth is Key: Use high-quality broth for the best flavor. Homemade is ideal, but a good store-bought broth will also work wonders. The broth is the foundation of your soup, so choose wisely!
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy. Nobody wants overcooked pasta in their soup!
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether.
• Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or kale. Get creative and experiment with flavors you love!

Variations to Explore

Pasta Fagioli is a wonderfully versatile dish. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

Vegetarian Delight

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth. You can also add extra vegetables for a more hearty and flavorful soup. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes.

Meat Lover’s Dream

For a meatier version, add cooked Italian sausage, pancetta, or bacon. Brown the meat before adding the vegetables to infuse the soup with its savory flavor. You could also add some leftover shredded chicken. CHICKEN NOODLE soup is lovely, but sometimes you crave the heartiness of beans!

Spicy Sensation

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor and spice.

Creamy Indulgence

Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier soup. This adds a luxurious touch that’s perfect for a special occasion.

Speaking of creamy, if you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE. It’s a completely different flavor profile, but equally comforting and satisfying.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This Pasta Fagioli is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storage

Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

Pasta Fagioli can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above. Be aware that the pasta texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

If you’re looking for another easy and satisfying pasta dish, be sure to check out my recipe for GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA. It’s a classic for a reason!

And if you are in the mood for chicken , but still craving that pasta , check out my CHICKEN BACON PASTA recipe. Its an absolute delight and you wont regret it.

Are you a fan of meatballs? Then you must try this RICOTTA MEATBALLS SPINACH ALFREDO . Its the perfect dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta Fagioli is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing! The warm, cheesy sandwich is perfect for dunking into the soup.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 10g

Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Craving more cowboy cooking? Why not give my CREAMY COWBOY CHICKEN PASTA a try next time? It’s another crowd-pleaser!