Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with your family on a cozy night. Packed with lean turkey sausage, two types of beans, and fresh vegetables, this soup captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• For Seasoning
• For the Pasta
• For Garnish
• How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
• Step 2: Add Vegetables
• Step 3: Incorporate Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Broth and Beans
• Step 5: Cook the Pasta
• Step 6: Finish the Soup
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Garnishes
• Accompaniments
• Beverage Pairings
• How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Can I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• How can I make this soup vegetarian?
• How can I store leftover Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The rich tomato broth combined with savory herbs creates a deliciously comforting dish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: With lean protein and plenty of vegetables, this soup is both filling and healthy.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a main course or as a starter; it’s suitable for any occasion.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before starting your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for making soups as it allows ample space for ingredients to simmer evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: A versatile tool that makes chopping ingredients quick and easy.

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.

For the Soup Base

• 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

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

For the Pasta

• 1 cup (4 oz) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)

For Garnish

• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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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 sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for about 6 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Beans

Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Remove and discard bay leaves. Remove soup from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to achieve desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot garnished with more Parmigiano-Reggiano and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it even more enjoyable. This hearty soup is versatile and can be paired with various garnishes and accompaniments for a complete meal. Here are several serving suggestions to enhance the flavors of this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top to add a burst of color and freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate extra Parmigiano-Reggiano over the soup for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add a sprinkle for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread for dipping and soaking up the broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a deliciously aromatic experience.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Beverage Pairings

• Red Wine: A glass of Chianti complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
• Sparkling Water: Serve with sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

To achieve the best results with your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these essential tips. They will help you create a flavorful and satisfying dish every time.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme enhance the overall flavor profile, making your soup aromatic.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; adding salt or pepper can significantly elevate the dish’s flavor.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and beans for richer taste and texture.
• Control Consistency: If your soup thickens too much, simply add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can turn your meal into a feast. Here are some excellent options that complement the soup perfectly.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch and tanginess.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic offers fresh flavors.
3. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide freshness.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables adds variety.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, or meat offer a hearty side option.
6. Focaccia Bread: Soft, herb-infused focaccia is perfect for mopping up delicious broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the vegetables and herbs first can lead to a bland soup. Always sauté to release their flavors.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long in the soup will make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and watch it closely.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every broth is different. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for your preference.
• Using regular sausage instead of lean options: Regular sausage can make your soup greasier. Opt for lean turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier choice.
• Not allowing flavors to meld: Serving right away may not give the flavors time to develop. Letting the soup sit for a few minutes enhances its richness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and savory herbs in a rich tomato broth.

Can I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or use different types of beans based on your preference.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I store leftover Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice levels. Perfect for any occasion, we encourage you to give this delightful recipe a try!