! It’s super easy to whip up, and you can enjoy it with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Trust me, it’s a hearty meal everyone will love!
This Pasta Fagioli is a cozy Italian soup that’s packed with beans, pasta, and tasty vegetables. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
Whenever I make this dish, the whole house smells amazing
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out, try avocado oil or vegetable oil as a substitute—both will work nicely in this recipe.
Ground Beef: I like using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for added flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
Beans: Cannellini beans are a great choice for this dish. However, if you can’t find them, Great Northern beans or even red kidney beans will do just fine. Canned beans save time and are convenient!
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
How Do I Enhance the Flavor During Cooking?
Building flavor in a soup is key, and this recipe has some great steps! Start by sautéing your aromatics—onions, carrots, and celery—in olive oil. This step, known as “sofrito,” lays a solid foundation for your soup.
- Cook the veggies slowly over medium heat until softened; this will draw out their natural sweetness.
- Add garlic toward the end of the sautéing. This prevents it from burning and losing its flavor.
- When adding tomato paste, cook it for a couple of minutes to caramelize. This will deepen its flavor for a richer broth.
Make sure to let the soup simmer for a good while to meld the flavors together. Patience is vital in cooking!
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pasta Fagioli recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time and approximately 50 minutes total cooking time. You’ll spend about 30 minutes simmering the soup and an additional 10-12 minutes to cook the pasta. In no time, you’ll have a warm and hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes until the veggies become soft and fragrant. This is your aromatic base!
2. Add Garlic and Meat:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, just until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground beef (or your preferred meat mix), sprinkle with salt, and cook until browned. Remember to break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Incorporate Tomato Paste:
Now, stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for about 2 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavors even more!
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the broth. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together!
6. Add Beans and Pasta:
After simmering, it’s time to add the drained beans, elbow macaroni, black pepper, and oregano. Continue to simmer the soup until the pasta is perfectly tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it to be perfectly flavorful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the hot soup into bowls, and top with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting and delicious Pasta Fagioli!
This comforting dish brings together the heartiness of ground meat and beans with tender pasta and rich flavors in every bite. Enjoy every spoonful!
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Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can substitute with Great Northern beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas if you like. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed if using canned.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. You can also add more beans or some diced vegetables for added substance.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Pasta Fagioli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
What Can I Serve with Pasta Fagioli?
This soup is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal perfectly!