Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a delightful, hearty soup perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly fall evening or enjoying a rainy spring day, this comforting dish warms the soul. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s not just tasty but also a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Preparation takes only about 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is full of fiber and protein.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or a side; it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the flavor, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies!
- Budget-Friendly: A great meal that won’t break the bank, using affordable ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
Creating your Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is simple when you have the right tools. Here are some essential items that will make your cooking experience smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for perfect results.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or large ringed pasta
- 8 oz of sweet Italian turkey sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Topping
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
- Spray a large Dutch oven with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the sweet Italian turkey sausage to the skillet.
- Cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Stir in garlic, onion, carrots, and celery into the pot.
- Cook while stirring occasionally until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Whisk in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer covered until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Beans
- Add uncooked pasta to the soup along with both types of beans.
- Stir until everything is heated through.
Each serving size is approximately 1 cup. Enjoy your delicious Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli!
How to Serve Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Serving Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a delightful experience, especially during chilly evenings. This soup pairs wonderfully with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors.
Toppings
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan adds a rich and savory touch to each bowl.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette complements the hearty soup well.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast that pairs perfectly with the soup’s texture.
How to Perfect Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
To elevate your Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli, consider these simple tips. They will help you create a comforting and flavorful dish every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables add more flavor and nutrients compared to canned ones.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go. Feel free to increase herbs and spices based on your preference.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft while simmering in the soup.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender brings extra nutrition.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa, beans, and spices make for a hearty side.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooey goodness of melted cheese between crispy bread provides comfort alongside the soup.
- Herbed Couscous: Lightly seasoned couscous offers a fluffy texture that complements the soup perfectly.
- Sautéed Spinach: Simple sautéed spinach with garlic adds a nutritious green element to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli to the next level.
- Using the wrong pasta: Choosing a pasta that is too large or not ditalini could affect the texture. Stick to ditalini or another small pasta for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning properly can leave your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs throughout cooking for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can lead to mushiness. Aim for tender but still crisp vegetables by monitoring cooking times closely.
- Not draining beans thoroughly: If you skip rinsing and draining the beans, they can introduce excess liquid and sodium. Always rinse them well to maintain balance in your soup.
- Ignoring rest time: Serving immediately after cooking may not allow flavors to meld. Letting the soup sit for a few minutes enhances its overall taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date.
Reheating Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli.
Can I make Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey sausage and add more vegetables or plant-based protein such as lentils.
How can I customize my Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?
Feel free to add different beans, veggies like zucchini or spinach, or spices like red pepper flakes for heat!
What is the serving size for Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli?
The serving size is approximately 1 cup per person.
Can I use different types of broth in this recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily modify it based on what you have at home or your dietary needs. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a hearty meal prep option, it’s sure to delight your taste buds. Give it a try and explore your own variations!
Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli
Weight Watchers Pasta Fagioli is a wholesome and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty dish combines tender vegetables, protein-rich beans, and flavorful turkey sausage, making it a nutritious option for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With its rich tomato base and aromatic herbs, this soup not only warms the soul but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy it alone or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal that your family will love.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or large ringed pasta
- 8 oz of sweet Italian turkey sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven sprayed with cooking spray, heat turkey sausage over medium-high until browned (3-5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until tender (3-4 minutes).
- Whisk in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and thyme; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered (10-15 minutes).
- Stir in uncooked pasta and both types of beans; cook until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, incorporate more vegetables like spinach or zucchini. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and replace it with lentils or additional beans.