Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup - Gluten Free Cooking Guide

Make a large pot of this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup for a warming and comforting meal. This soup is perfect for chilly days and is freezer-friendly, making it a go-to dinner option for the whole family. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients will satisfy everyone at the table, ensuring that this recipe becomes a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a filling meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows even novice cooks to create a delicious dish without stress.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or beans to suit your taste preferences.
Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the freezer for quick meals later on.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful soup, making it a hit at any dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything ready helps streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups as it retains heat well, ensuring even cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting ingredients easy, saving you time in preparation.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities, which is key to achieving great flavor.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ ounces thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)

For the Vegetables

3 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
5 medium celery stalks (diced (about 1 ½ cups))
2 small-medium onions (peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups))
4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)

For Flavoring

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup red apple vinegar (OR more broth)

For the Liquid Base

1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)
5 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)

For Finishing Touches

Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 cup dry Ditalini pasta
1 (15-oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (15-oz) can white cannelini beans (rinsed and drained)

Optional Garnishes

Grated parmesan (to serve)
Chopped parsley (to serve)

How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Turkey Bacon and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the crumbled sausage and continue cooking until browned as well, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic into the pot. Cook until starting to soften, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Deglaze

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly distributed. Pour in the red apple vinegar while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir uncooked Ditalini into the soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Add drained beans into the mix and continue simmering for another 4-5 minutes until heated through. If necessary, add more broth to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately with optional parmesan cheese and parsley on top.

Enjoy your delicious Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, perfect for sharing with friends or family! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Top with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup for a burst of freshness.
Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic finish that complements the flavors.

Cheese It Up

Grated Parmesan: Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added richness.
Vegan Cheese: For a plant-based option, try vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast as a topping.

Accompany with Bread

Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or French baguette for dipping.
Garlic Bread: Pair the soup with buttery garlic bread for a flavorful combo.

Add Some Heat

Red Pepper Flakes: Offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Hot Sauce: Provide a few varieties of hot sauce to let everyone customize their bowl.

How to Perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Creating the perfect Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your soup.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor and nutrition.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Let it Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances the flavors, so don’t rush this step!
Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup while cooking, adjusting salt and spices as needed for balance.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

To make your meal complete, consider pairing your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with these delicious side dishes.

Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the soup.
Caprese Skewers: Easy-to-make skewers with mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil create a fresh bite alongside the soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a hearty complement to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil bring out their natural sweetness and make a colorful side.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits topped with cheese provide a satisfying dipper for your soup.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated olives, artichokes, and cheeses creates an Italian-inspired appetizer spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using the wrong pasta: Always choose small pasta shapes like Ditalini. Larger pasta can alter the texture and cooking time.
Overcooking the vegetables: Sauté vegetables just until they start to soften. Overcooking can make them mushy and lose their flavor.
Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. Adjusting salt and pepper at the end enhances overall flavor.
Not using enough broth: If the soup looks too thick, add more chicken broth gradually. This ensures the right consistency.
Serving without garnishes: Fresh parsley or grated cheese adds flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Let the soup cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup.

What is Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and flavorful broth.

Can I make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit turkey bacon and sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How long does it take to cook Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time is about 90 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it ideal for a cozy meal.

What can I serve with Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delicious and filling option that warms you up from the inside out. Its versatility allows for easy customization—feel free to add your favorite veggies or beans. Try this recipe today and enjoy a hearty meal that your whole family will love!