Pasta Fagioli Soup is a heartwarming Italian classic that brings comfort to any table. This rich and flavorful soup is loaded with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, all simmered in a savory tomato broth. It’s reminiscent of the beloved Olive Garden version, making it the perfect meal for cozy nights at home. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special family gathering, this soup warms both the heart and the palate.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Fagioli Soup
This hearty pasta soup is not just delicious; it’s packed with benefits that make it a must-try. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
- Rich in protein from ground beef and beans, making it filling.
- Offers a blend of vegetables that boosts nutrition.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, like Italian sausage or a vegetarian twist.
- Great for family gatherings—everyone loves a comforting bowl of soup!
- Prepared in just 50 minutes, it’s a quick Pasta Fagioli recipe.
This classic Italian soup recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli Soup
Gather these items:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat the pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully cooked for 6-8 minutes.
- Step 2: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the beef and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables get soft and tender.
- Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells really good and fragrant in the pot.
- Step 4: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
- Step 5: Bring soup to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes uncovered.
- Step 6: Add drained cannellini beans and ditalini pasta, bring back to a gentle boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 7: Taste and add more salt and pepper if you need it to make it taste just right for you.
- Step 8: Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then spoon into bowls and top with Parmesan and parsley.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup
Keep these in mind:
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed; taste before serving.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach for a vegetable and pasta soup.
Best Ways to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup
This hearty soup is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve with a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a green salad for a balanced dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Pasta Fagioli Soup
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Fagioli Soup
What’s the secret to perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup?
The secret to perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using fresh vegetables and good-quality beef or beans enhances the flavor significantly. Don’t rush the simmering process; let the flavors meld together for a deliciously hearty soup.
Can I make Pasta Fagioli Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Pasta Fagioli Soup ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pasta Fagioli Soup?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the pasta. Add it toward the end of the cooking process to keep it al dente. Also, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
Variations of Pasta Fagioli Soup You Can Try
There are many ways to enjoy this classic soup! Here are a few variations:
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils.
- Add Italian sausage for a spicy kick in your Pasta and beans soup.
- Experiment with different beans like kidney or black beans for a unique twist.
Whichever variation you choose, this homemade Pasta Fagioli soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.
For more delicious recipes, check out our homemade tomato sauce or spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can also explore roasted carrot soup for a delightful twist!
Print
Delicious Pasta Fagioli Soup: 6 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty Italian soup loaded with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth that tastes just like Olive Garden’s version.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully cooked for 6-8 minutes.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the beef and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables get soft and tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells really good and fragrant in the pot.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
- Bring soup to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes uncovered.
- Add drained cannellini beans and ditalini pasta, bring back to a gentle boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Taste and add more salt and pepper if you need it to make it taste just right for you.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then spoon into bowls and top with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Leave a Reply