Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings, as it’s both filling and flavorful. With its tender pasta and hearty beans, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Warming: Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup provides a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for cold days.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be on your table in about 90 minutes.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later on. Enjoy the deliciousness anytime!
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding seasonal vegetables or different types of beans to suit your taste.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory turkey bacon, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables makes this soup bursting with flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the following essential tools. These will help you create a perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and browning meats without overcrowding. It retains heat well for simmering the soup.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. Freezer friendly and full of flavor – a dinner the family will love!

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)
• 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
• 5 medium celery stalks (diced (about 1 ½ cups))
• 2 small-medium onions (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)

For the Flavor

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup red apple vinegar (OR more broth)

For the Soup

• 1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)
• 5 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
• salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Final Touches

• 1 cup dry Ditalini pasta
• 1 (15-oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (15-oz) can white cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• grated parmesan (to serve (optional))
• chopped parsley (to serve (optional))

How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Turkey Bacon and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the crumbled Italian sausage, continuing to cook until browned as well, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic to the pot. Cook until they start to soften, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Deglaze

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly distributed. Pour in the red apple vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor. Cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir in uncooked Ditalini pasta into the soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Next, add rinsed beans into the mix; simmer for another 4-5 minutes until heated through. If necessary, stir in more broth to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately with optional grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to three days.

Enjoy your deliciously comforting Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience, perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners. You can enhance the meal with various accompaniments that complement its rich flavors.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch alongside the soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan – Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melting mozzarella adds creaminess and richness to each bowl.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Mixed Green Salad – Lightly dressed mixed greens offer a fresh and healthy balance.

How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate it to new heights. Follow these tips to ensure your soup is packed with flavor and texture.

• Bold Seasonings – Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
• Quality Broth – Choose high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste in your soup.
• Cook Pasta Separately – For better texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Adjust Thickness – If the soup is too thick, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Rest Before Serving – Allowing the soup to sit for 10 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that will complement your soup wonderfully.

1. Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery garlic knots are perfect for dipping into your soup.
2. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers a fresh, zesty bite.
3. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing side.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers make for a hearty addition alongside the soup.
5. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the savory flavors of Pasta Fagioli.
6. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Boldly skip the browning step: Not browning the turkey bacon and sausage can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to cook them until they are nicely browned before adding other ingredients.

• Boldly overlook vegetable size: Cutting the carrots, celery, and onions into uneven sizes can result in uneven cooking. Aim for uniform pieces for a consistent texture.

• Boldly forget to deglaze: Skipping the deglazing step can leave tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Be sure to scrape those up with vinegar for added flavor.

• Boldly skimp on seasoning: Under-seasoning your soup will make it bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

• Boldly ignore pasta cooking times: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can lead to mushy results. Add it at the right time and keep an eye on it for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months—just label each container.

Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer portions of soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Can I make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute turkey bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I thicken Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

To thicken your soup, you can puree a portion of it or add more beans or pasta as desired.

How long does Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the freezer?

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can last up to 3 months when stored properly in freezer-safe containers.

Can I customize my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! You can customize this recipe by adding seasonal vegetables or using different types of beans. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, making it a must-try recipe that everyone will love!