This Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings together the classic flavors of Italy in a single bowl. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lean ground turkey sausage, tender vegetables, and two types of beans simmered in a rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend meals. The combination of savory herbs and spices elevates the dish, making it not just a meal but a delightful experience. Easy to prepare and customizable, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting proteins to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress.
- Health-Conscious Option: Made with low sodium chicken broth and lean turkey sausage, it’s a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make the perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for simmering large quantities of ingredients and ensuring even cooking.
- Sharp knife: A good knife allows for quick chopping of vegetables, saving you time during prep.
- Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly while preventing sticking or burning.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken sausage
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 medium celery ribs
- 4 cloves garlic
For the Broth
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
For the Pasta
- 1 cup dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
For Seasoning
- Fresh herbs: rosemary and thyme
How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook the ground turkey sausage for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add diced onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for about 6 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Beans
Add chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Stir in the pasta and simmer for another 9–10 minutes until cooked al dente.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove bay leaves before serving and stir in grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup!
How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this comforting dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: Freshly baked sourdough or a crunchy baguette pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every bit of the rich broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley or Basil: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds vibrant color and enhances the flavors, making it visually appealing and aromatic.
Served with a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty soup and balances the meal.
Accompanied by Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side allows everyone to customize their serving, adding a savory finish to each bowl.
With a Dash of Hot Sauce
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, providing hot sauce gives an option for an extra kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Enjoyed in a Bread Bowl
- Edible Bowl Option: Serving the soup in a bread bowl creates a fun and interactive dining experience, perfect for cozy gatherings.
How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
To elevate your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, consider these helpful tips that ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Bold Flavor Base: Start with sautéing onions and garlic until golden brown. This adds depth to your soup right from the beginning.
- Use Quality Broth: Choose low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness while still delivering rich flavor.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme closer to the end of cooking for maximum aroma and taste.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes before serving helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that offers buttery goodness and pairs beautifully with any soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add another layer of flavor while keeping things healthy.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables make for a satisfying side.
- Simple Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with olive oil and lemon provides a light yet filling option.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil creates an exciting appetizer.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with veggies brightens up your plate while being nutritious.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers comfort alongside your warm bowl of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong type of meat: Choosing a fatty or overly seasoned sausage can overpower the soup’s flavor. Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken sausage to maintain balance.
- Not sautéing vegetables enough: Skipping or rushing the sautéing process can lead to tough vegetables. Take your time to soften onions, carrots, and celery for a rich base.
- Adding pasta too early: Putting pasta in at the beginning will make it mushy. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking for the perfect texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and enhance with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Forgetting about leftovers: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to waste. Make sure to refrigerate or freeze any unused portions promptly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed throughout, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup.
What is Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and broth. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any time of year.
Can I make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily substitute ground turkey with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I customize Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also change the type of beans based on your preference.
How long does Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?
The soup can last up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just about nourishment; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort. With its versatility in ingredients and flavors, you can easily adapt it to fit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as is or make your own modifications, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Indulge in the warmth of Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup, a delightful blend of hearty beans, lean turkey sausage, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals. With its savory herbs and spices, this soup transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. Easy to customize, you can adjust vegetables and legumes according to your taste preferences. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 medium celery ribs
- 4 cloves garlic
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
- Fresh herbs: rosemary and thyme
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook ground turkey sausage for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley; sauté for about 6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, cannellini beans, red kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and simmer for another 9–10 minutes until cooked al dente.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Optional: stir in grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added nutrition and variety, incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach. To prevent mushy pasta when storing leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.