Easy Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a wonderfully hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender pasta, creamy beans, and smoky turkey bacon in a rich, herb-infused broth. This nourishing recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and colors, making it an ideal comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a meal that impresses guests, this Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies for maximum flavor and minimal fuss.
• Hearty and Healthy: Packed with protein-rich beans and fresh vegetables, it’s both nourishing and filling.
• Smoky Depth: Smoked turkey bacon adds a savory twist without overpowering the bright herbs and vegetables.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour, it fits perfectly into busy weeknights or last-minute meal plans.
• Family Favorite: Mellow flavors with a slight kick make it a dish loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients that each add a unique touch to your Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Together, they create a comforting blend of textures and tastes from smoky to savory to vibrant freshness.

• Smoked turkey bacon: Brings depth and a smoky note to the soup without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Cannellini beans: Creamy and starchy, they provide protein and a luscious mouthfeel.
• Pasta (small shapes like ditalini): Adds a tender bite that pairs perfectly with the broth.
• Carrots and celery: Classic veggies that introduce earthiness and crunch.
• Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics giving the soup a flavorful base.
• Crushed tomatoes (natural): Adds tang and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami richness and rounds out the taste.
• Vegetable broth: The soul of the soup introducing warmth and depth.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: Herbaceous notes that lift the entire dish.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and a silky finish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the flavors without overpowering.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens and refreshes at the end.

Variations for Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

This soup is incredibly flexible, so feel free to mix and match ingredients or tweak the recipe to fit your cravings or dietary preferences. The base is forgiving, making customization a joy rather than a challenge.

• Vegetable-packed: Add zucchini or spinach for extra veggies and color.
• Spicy kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot paprika for warmth.
• Meat-free version: Simply omit turkey bacon and swap vegetable broth for a fully vegan option.
• Rich and creamy: Stir in a dollop of plant-based cream (plant-based) just before serving.
• Change the beans: Use borlotti or kidney beans to mix up the texture and taste.

How to Make Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing until soft and fragrant. This warming base builds the foundation of your soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Add Smoked Turkey Bacon

Stir in diced smoked turkey bacon and cook for a few minutes until it releases its smoky aroma and starts to crisp. This step layers in that wonderful savory depth that makes the soup so comforting.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquids and Herbs

Add crushed tomatoes (natural), vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh rosemary, and thyme to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Beans and Pasta

Drain and rinse the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot. Once the soup is simmering, stir in the pasta and cook until tender but still slightly firm to the bite, ensuring the perfect texture for every spoonful.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Just before serving, sprinkle in fresh parsley for a bright finish that lifts the entire dish.

Pro Tips for Making Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme make a noticeable difference in flavor depth compared to dried varieties.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Add pasta towards the end and keep an eye on cooking time to maintain ideal texture.
• Stir gently: This prevents the beans from breaking down too much, keeping your soup hearty and inviting.
• Simmer slowly: A gentle simmer helps develop richer flavors without the soup becoming too thick.
• Adjust seasoning last: Tasting and seasoning at the end ensures your soup is perfectly balanced.

How to Serve Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Garnishes

Top your soup with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy, fresh finish. You can also add a sprinkle of grated plant-based cheese (plant-based) for a creamy touch.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty whole-grain bread or a warm garlic flatbread to soak up every last bit of the hearty soup. A side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of extra parsley and olive oil on the side, inviting your guests to customize their own bowls. For a cozy touch, place a rolled herb-infused breadstick alongside each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, consider freezing the soup without pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If thickened, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to the perfect soupy consistency. Add pasta right before serving if you froze the soup separately.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans in Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Yes, you can swap cannellini beans for borlotti, kidney beans, or even chickpeas depending on your preference or what you have available.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the smoked turkey bacon and use vegetable broth along with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, after sautéing the veggies and turkey bacon, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding pasta near the end of cooking.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they blend well with the beans and vegetables without overpowering each spoonful.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking for a warm, spicy kick that complements the smoky flavors.

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a bowl of pure comfort, combining smokiness, herbs, and hearty beans with tender pasta in a way that feels like a warm hug. Once you try this recipe, it will be a go-to favorite for chilly evenings or when you need an easy, nourishing meal that pleases everyone at the table. So grab your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy a taste of Italy right from your kitchen.

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