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Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup
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Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian comfort dish combining hearty cannellini beans, tender small pasta, and savory vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth. It offers a wholesome, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for any season, easy to customize for dietary preferences, and ideal for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Pasta

  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or elbow macaroni)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: dash of lemon juice
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice

Liquids and Fat

  • 2 cups crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Garnish

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley or basil (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop onion, celery, and carrots. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the vegetables until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
  2. Add garlic and herbs: Stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Cook for about 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  3. Incorporate tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add beans and pasta: Drain and rinse the cannellini beans, then add them to the pot along with the pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and optionally a dash of lemon juice for brightness. Ladle into bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use homemade broth if available for deeper flavor.
  • Add pasta toward the end to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
  • Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and improve taste.
  • Sauté vegetables gently to bring out natural sweetness.
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme significantly enhance aroma compared to dried herbs.
  • Freeze soup without pasta; cook fresh pasta when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Italian soup, cannellini beans, comfort food, one-pot soup, hearty soup, vegetarian soup, winter soup

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/pasta-e-fagioli-soup/