Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a heartwarming dish that perfectly combines flavors and textures, making it a favorite for any occasion. This comforting soup blends pasta, beans, and hearty vegetables into a satisfying meal that can warm you up on a chilly day or serve as a delicious crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Its versatility allows for endless variations while staying true to its classic roots.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Pasta e Fagioli recipe comes together in just 60 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of savory meats, fresh vegetables, and herbs creates a deep, rich flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and veggies, this dish is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients and fiber.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: With 12 servings, it’s ideal for meal prepping; enjoy it throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.
• Customizable: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences, ensuring you’ll always love this dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Essential for simmering the soup evenly while allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked meats from the pot without taking excess fat, ensuring a balanced flavor in your dish.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 large carrots (peeled and diced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Liquids

• 3 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

For the Beans

• 1 15 oz can dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

For Seasoning

• 2 tsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar
• 2 medium bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp sugar (optional)
• 2 tsp dry Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked ditalini pasta
• Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Cook the Meats

1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or large soup pot.
2. Add mild Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until no pink remains.
3. Remove the cooked meats using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a platter. Reserve 3 Tbsp of drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot with the drippings, add diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic.
2. Let them simmer over medium heat until tender and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in tomato sauce, vegetable broth, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, vinegar, bay leaves, sugar (if using), dry Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

1. Remove bay leaves from the soup.
2. Add in cooked ditalini pasta. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

This delightful Pasta e Fagioli is sure to be a hit at your table! Enjoy its comforting warmth anytime you need a satisfying meal.

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Serving it with the right accompaniments can enhance its flavors and create a memorable meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of warm, crusty bread alongside your soup. This allows guests to soak up the delicious broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor.

With Grated Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side. A sprinkle of cheese enhances the richness of the dish.

With Side Salads

• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness balances the heartiness of the soup.

As an Appetizer

• Serve in small bowls as an appetizer before a main course. It makes for a delightful starter that warms up the palate.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli

Creating the perfect Pasta e Fagioli is simple with a few helpful tips. These will elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use quality ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for deeper flavors.
• Simmer longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer than suggested for more developed flavors.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout cooking to suit your preference.
• Cook pasta separately: Cook ditalini pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy in the soup.
• Store wisely: If making ahead, store pasta separately from the soup to maintain texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that balance well with the soup’s heartiness.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and vibrant colors to your meal.

4. Bruschetta
   Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a refreshing contrast to Pasta e Fagioli.

5. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar complement the dish beautifully.

6. Stuffed Peppers
   Baked stuffed peppers filled with grains or quinoa provide a filling option alongside your soup.

7. Antipasto Platter
   A platter featuring olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies can serve as an exciting appetizer before your main dish.

8. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful twist and pair nicely with savory Pasta e Fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta e Fagioli is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips on what to avoid:

• Bold ingredient selection: Using low-quality canned beans or tomato sauce can lead to a bland soup. Always choose high-quality brands for the best flavor.
• Bold skipping the sauté: Neglecting to sauté vegetables before adding liquids will result in an underwhelming taste. Take the time to cook the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re tender and fragrant.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Adding uncooked pasta directly to the soup can make it mushy. Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving for the best texture.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings throughout cooking can lead to a lackluster dish. Taste your soup as it simmers and adjust salt, vinegar, and spices as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as liquid expands when frozen.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta e Fagioli that you might find helpful.

What is Pasta e Fagioli?

Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s hearty and comforting.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or use various types of beans according to your preference. You can even switch up the pasta shape!

How long does it take to make Pasta e Fagioli?

The total time for making this soup is about 60 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I make Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth along with added veggies for flavor. It will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli is not only a comforting bowl of goodness but also a versatile dish that you can adapt based on your preferences. Experiment with different vegetables or beans, and enjoy this hearty meal any night of the week. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a family favorite!