Pasta e Fagioli Soup

The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup: A Culinary Symphony of Comfort

Prepare to be enveloped in a rich tapestry of flavors with our rendition of The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This classic Italian dish, translating to “pasta and beans,” is a comforting symphony of ingredients that come together in a hearty, soul-warming soup. Brimming with the wholesome goodness of beans, pasta, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a celebration of both taste and tradition. Join us on this culinary journey as we guide you through the steps of crafting a bowl of warmth that transcends the ordinary.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 cup dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight (or two 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta shape)
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Flavor Boost:

  • 1/2 pound ground beef (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Parmesan cheese rind (optional, but highly recommended for added flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans

  1. Soak Dried Beans: If using dried cannellini beans, soak them in water overnight. Rinse and drain before using.
  2. Cook Dried Beans: In a large pot, cover the soaked beans with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 45-60 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened.

3. Build the Base

  1. Add Tomato Components: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Parmesan cheese rind if using.
  2. Season: Add oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
  3. Pour in Liquids: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and water. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

4. Enhance with Protein

  1. Optional Meat Addition: In a separate pan, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat, then add the cooked beef to the soup.

5. Add Pasta and Beans

  1. Introduce Pasta and Beans: Add the cooked cannellini beans and ditalini pasta to the simmering soup. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente.

6. Final Touches

  1. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind before serving.
  2. Serve with Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Cook Notes

  • Parmesan Cheese Rind Magic: The Parmesan cheese rind adds a depth of flavor to the soup. If you have it, don’t skip this magical ingredient.
  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef for a vegetarian version, or substitute it with plant-based ground meat.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup often tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Variations

Tuscan White Bean Variation:

Replace cannellini beans with Tuscan white beans for a different texture and flavor profile.

Spicy Sausage Twist:

Add crumbled spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat and an extra layer of savory goodness.

Kale and Cannellini Combo:

Toss in fresh kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added color, nutrients, and a burst of freshness.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Cauliflower Substitute:

Replace the pasta with cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.

Zoodles Extravaganza:

Spiralize zucchini into zoodles and add them in the last few minutes of cooking for a keto-friendly noodle replacement.

Beef and Broth Focus:

Increase the amount of ground beef and use a beef broth base for a hearty, low-carb option.

As we conclude our journey through The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup, envision yourself seated at a rustic Italian table, savoring the robust flavors of this timeless dish. This soup is more than a meal; it’s a vessel of tradition, a celebration of warmth, and a reminder of the simple joys that a bowl of comforting soup can bring.

Whether shared with loved ones on a chilly evening or savored alone as a moment of self-care, The Ultimate Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a culinary masterpiece that transcends time and trends. May your kitchen be filled with the tantalizing aroma of simmering herbs, and may each spoonful transport you to a place where simplicity meets extraordinary flavor. In the world of comfort food, this soup stands as a beacon—a testament to the magic that happens when quality ingredients come together in harmony. Buon appetito!