Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul. This delightful Italian soup combines tender pasta with rich flavors from beans, vegetables, and savory ground beef. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With its easy preparation and delicious taste, this Easy Pasta e Fagioli is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from beef and beans, this soup will keep you full and satisfied.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices creates an incredibly rich flavor profile.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For this Easy Pasta e Fagioli recipe, you’ll want to gather a few essential items that will enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: These are ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface is crucial for safe and efficient chopping of vegetables.
• Sharp knife: A well-sharpened knife makes chopping quicker and safer.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices

For the Beans

• 1 14 oz can red kidney beans drained
• 1 14 oz can cannellini beans or great northern beans drained

For the Vegetables

• 3 sticks celery chopped finely
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced

Seasoning and Other Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (or add more to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Place the beef in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. You can choose not to drain the fat for added flavor.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, chicken broth, red apple vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer partially covered for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Add uncooked ditalini pasta into the soup. Continue simmering until pasta is tender—this should take around 15-20 minutes. Keep the lid slightly ajar during this step to prevent overflows. Stir occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Finally, adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Easy Pasta e Fagioli is all about enhancing its comforting flavors while keeping the experience enjoyable. Here are some delightful ways to serve this hearty soup.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the soup.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread to add a flavorful kick alongside the soup.

Garnished with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.
• Mozzarella: Add small mozzarella balls for a creamy texture that melts delightfully into the soup.

As a Complete Meal

• With a Side Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables to round out the meal.

How to Perfect Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting Easy Pasta e Fagioli involves attention to detail and some simple tips. Here are suggestions to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the taste. Fresh garlic and herbs can make a significant difference.
• Proper Simmering: Allow the soup to simmer long enough to develop flavors, ideally at least 20 minutes before adding pasta.
• Pasta Timing: Cook pasta separately if you’re saving leftovers, as it prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Customize Beans: Feel free to mix different beans based on your preference or what you have on hand, adding variety and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a light dressing complements the hearty soup well.
2. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter enhance the overall experience.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a vibrant counterpoint to the rich flavors of the soup.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a healthy crunch and bright color to your meal.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs offers another layer of flavor.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables can serve as a filling side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Easy Pasta e Fagioli even better. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the pasta too long in the soup, it can become mushy. Instead, add it towards the end of cooking and keep an eye on it.

• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to blandness. Be sure to add salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté vegetables before adding them can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to soften them first for better results.

• Ignoring Bean Varieties: Using only one type of bean can limit texture and flavor. Mix different beans like kidney and cannellini for a more complex taste.

• Rushing the Simmering Process: A quick boil without proper simmering can prevent flavors from developing. Allow your soup to simmer gently for richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and ground beef. It’s comforting and packed with flavor.

How can I customize Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

You can customize it by adding different vegetables or using various types of beans. Experiment with spices for extra flavor!

Can I make Easy Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I thicken Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans or add more diced tomatoes during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only simple but also versatile, making it perfect for any dinner table. You can easily customize it based on your preferences, adding more veggies or changing up the spices. Give it a try; your family will love this comforting dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Pasta e Fagioli

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a heartwarming Italian soup that combines the richness of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and wholesome beans with an array of fresh vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this delightful dish is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that bursts with flavor and is customizable to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a weeknight or serving it at a cozy dinner party, this Easy Pasta e Fagioli will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 14 oz can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 14 oz can cannellini beans, drained
• 3 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Ditalini pasta (to preference)

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a soup pot over medium-high heat until cooked through.
2. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic; sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, drained beans, chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add uncooked ditalini pasta; simmer until pasta is tender (15-20 minutes).
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg