Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. This dish combines hearty ingredients, making it not only delicious but also filling. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this Easy Pasta e Fagioli will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of beans, tomatoes, and spices creates an incredibly rich flavor profile.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Nourishing: Packed with protein from the beef and beans, this soup is satisfying and healthy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It stores well in the refrigerator, and the flavors develop even more after a day.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll need some essential tools that will help you create this delicious dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, essential for simmering soups perfectly.
• Cutting board and knife: Allows for safe and efficient chopping of vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices

For the Beans

• 1 14 oz can red kidney beans drained
• 1 14 oz can cannellini beans or great northern beans drained

For Vegetables

• 3 sticks celery chopped finely
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced

Seasonings and Extras

• 1/2 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (or add more to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Place the beef in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon until just browned. You can choose not to drain excess fat for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook for another 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, canned beans, chicken broth, red apple vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (everything except pasta and salt & pepper). Turn up the heat to high until boiling.

Step 4: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce heat and let the soup simmer partially covered for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Add the ditalini pasta and continue to simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Keep the lid slightly ajar while stirring occasionally. For leftovers, cook pasta separately to prevent sogginess.

Step 6: Season

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving. Enjoy your nourishing bowl of Easy Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread for a deliciously aromatic addition.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for a salty kick.
• Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella that melts beautifully into the soup.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh Basil: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of freshness.
• Parsley: Finely chop parsley and use it as a garnish for added color and flavor.

How to Perfect Easy Pasta e Fagioli

To make your Easy Pasta e Fagioli even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Homemade Broth: For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
• Sauté Vegetables Longer: Cook the vegetables until they’re soft and fragrant to maximize their flavors.
• Experiment with Beans: Mix different types of beans for varied textures and tastes.
• Adjust Spice Level: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier soup.
• Let It Sit: Allow the soup to rest before serving; flavors meld together beautifully when given time.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta e Fagioli can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a colorful and refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal vegetables and roast them for added texture and flavor.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Serve stuffed bell peppers for a filling complement to the soup.
5. Focaccia Bread: This soft bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of broth.
6. Antipasto Platter: Include olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses for variety on your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Pasta e Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Rushing the browning process – Not allowing the beef to brown properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Take your time to cook it until just browned for a richer taste.
• Skipping the sautéed vegetables – Some may skip cooking the onion, celery, and carrots. This step adds depth and sweetness to the soup. Always sauté these ingredients for enhanced flavor.
• Not adjusting seasoning – Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in a bland dish. Always adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
• Overcooking the pasta – If you add pasta too soon or let it cook too long, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness before adding it.
• Ignoring storage tips – Not storing leftovers properly can affect taste and texture. Follow proper storage methods to maintain quality for future meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Pasta e Fagioli that may help you while preparing this delicious soup.

What is Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta simmered in flavorful broth.

Can I customize Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Yes! You can add different vegetables like spinach or zucchini or use different types of beans according to your preference.

How do I make Easy Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more beans or legumes for protein.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional, you can substitute with any small pasta shape like elbows or shells that you prefer.

How long does Easy Pasta e Fagioli last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Try this recipe today for a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy!