Description
Hearty pasta e fagioli soup delivers Italian countryside comfort with rich bean and pasta flavors. Rustic warmth fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor authentic regional traditions in one nourishing bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 grams) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 grams) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Incorporate finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and sliced celery, gently sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its fragrant essence for approximately one minute.
- Enhance the flavor profile by introducing diced tomatoes, rich tomato paste, Italian herb blend, earthy rosemary, and optional spicy red pepper flakes. Allow these ingredients to meld together, stirring consistently for 2-3 minutes to develop a robust foundation.
- Elevate the soup’s complexity by pouring in savory broth, then carefully folding in cannellini and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and allow the liquid to gently simmer, developing depth and intensity for 15-20 minutes.
- Transform the soup by adding ditalini pasta directly into the simmering liquid. Cook until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, approximately 10 minutes. Monitor liquid levels, supplementing with additional broth or water to achieve desired consistency.
- Refine the final preparation by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to personal preference. Carefully ladle the hearty soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Customize vegetable softness by chopping them uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid levels during simmering, adding extra broth or water gradually for desired consistency.
- Select low-sodium broth and canned beans to manage salt content, allowing personalized seasoning control during final preparation.
- Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting ditalini pasta with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg