Warm up with my Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup! This comforting dish combines delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for the weekend, this soup is sure to impress. Packed with nutritious vegetables, hearty beans, and tender pasta, it delivers a satisfying experience in every bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling – This soup is loaded with beans and pasta, ensuring a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
- Easy to Make – With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Ingredients – Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours.
- Great for Meal Prep – This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking.
- Comforting Flavor – The combination of herbs and spices creates a warm, inviting flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – A good-sized pot allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while mixing flavors.
- Chopping board – Provides a safe surface for cutting vegetables and prepping ingredients.
- Chef’s knife – A sharp knife makes chopping fast and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
For the Flavor
- 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
For the Pasta
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape) (about 50g)
To Season and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How to Make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer
Reduce heat; allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes so that all flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook until pasta becomes tender; this should take about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Stir in fresh parsley before ladling into bowls. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Serving Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing the cozy experience it brings. This soup is versatile and can be paired with many delicious options to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread – A warm slice of sourdough complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Bread – The garlic-infused butter on toasted bread adds an extra layer of taste.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves – Add a few fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch that enhances the Italian essence.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to each bowl.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta provides a tangy contrast that works well with the hearty soup.
As a Main Dish
- Accompanied by Salad – A light side salad with vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully.
- Served with Grilled Chicken – For a protein boost, serve alongside grilled chicken seasoned with herbs.
How to Perfect Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Perfecting Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup involves attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your cooking experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust the Spices – Tailor the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor – Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors; just be careful not to overcook the pasta.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes – While ditalini is traditional, try other small pasta shapes like orzo or elbow macaroni for variety.
- Store Properly – Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers; this soup can taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Reheat Gently – When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to preserve texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pairing side dishes with Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction make a refreshing pairing.
- Spinach Salad – Lightly dressed spinach salad with sliced almonds offers a crunchy texture contrast.
- Antipasto Platter – A mix of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses provides variety and excitement on your table.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that complement the soup beautifully.
- Pesto Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with pesto provide a flavorful twist while being perfect for dipping.
- Grilled Veggie Skewers – Colorful skewers of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms add a smoky element to your meal.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese pair wonderfully with this hearty dish.
- Bruschetta Topped Baguette Slices – Topped with tomatoes and herbs, bruschetta adds freshness alongside each bowl of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly skip the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Always taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Boldly overlook the cooking time: Cooking vegetables too quickly can result in a crunchy texture. Make sure to cook them until they are softened for a better consistency.
- Boldly ignore the pasta cooking instructions: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Follow the recipe’s timing and add pasta towards the end of cooking.
- Boldly use low-quality broth: A good quality chicken broth enhances flavor. Opt for homemade or low-sodium options for a cleaner taste.
- Boldly forget about garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese can diminish presentation and flavor. Always finish with a garnish for that extra touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian dish filled with beans, vegetables, and small pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth.
Can I customize Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap the beans based on your preference.
How do I make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?
Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat additions. This keeps it hearty while being meat-free!
How long does Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts 3-4 days. If frozen properly, it can last up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
Final Thoughts
Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only warm and filling but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try this comforting recipe today and enjoy a delicious bowl of goodness!
Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Warm up with Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, a delightful Italian classic that brings comfort to your table. This flavorful dish combines wholesome ingredients like tender beans, fresh vegetables, and small pasta simmered in a rich chicken broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this soup is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With its warm flavors and satisfying texture, every bowl offers a nourishing experience that everyone will enjoy.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (5–7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until tender (10–12 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.