Pasta e fagioli is a hearty Italian soup that’s perfect for cozy meals. It features pasta, beans, vegetables, and ground lamb in a savory tomato broth, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple to prepare yet packed with flavor.
- Loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta for a nutritious meal.
- Perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground lamb: Substitutes for traditional pork or beef.
- Vegetables: Onion, celery, carrots, and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Tomatoes: Both diced and crushed for texture and depth.
- Beans: Red kidney beans and cannellini beans for heartiness.
- Broth: Chicken broth for richness.
- Pasta: Ditalini works best, but any small pasta will do.
- Spices: Dried oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fish gelatin sheets: To replace traditional gelatin if needed.
How to Make Pasta e Fagioli:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the meat: In a large pot, cook ground lamb until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the pot and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- If you plan on storing leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid soggy noodles.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Notes:
- Adjust the texture of the broth by adding more chicken broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- Feel free to use turkey ham instead of regular ham for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze Pasta e Fagioli?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth as needed.
- Freezer: Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw and add pasta during reheating.
Related Recipes:
If you enjoyed this recipe, try these other comforting soups:
Conclusion:
This homemade version of pasta e fagioli is sure to become a family favorite with its rich flavors and simple preparation. Perfect for a cozy night in!
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Homemade Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Description
Pasta e fagioli is a hearty Italian soup that’s perfect for cozy meals. It features pasta, beans, vegetables, and ground lamb in a savory tomato broth, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground lamb: Substitutes for traditional pork or beef.
- Vegetables: Onion, celery, carrots, and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Tomatoes: Both diced and crushed for texture and depth.
- Beans: Red kidney beans and cannellini beans for heartiness.
- Broth: Chicken broth for richness.
- Pasta: Ditalini works best, but any small pasta will do.
- Spices: Dried oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fish gelatin sheets: To replace traditional gelatin if needed.
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large pot, cook ground lamb until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the pot and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the texture of the broth by adding more chicken broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- Feel free to use turkey ham instead of regular ham for a lighter version.
