Pasta Fagioli is an EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool) that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This hearty soup combines pasta and beans in a savory broth enriched with turkey, garlic, and vegetables. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing you to enjoy it as a main dish or a side. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, Pasta Fagioli will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 40 minutes.
- Flavorful: Packed with herbs, spices, and turkey, this soup bursts with savory goodness that will delight your taste buds.
- Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables and beans, it’s a wholesome choice that provides essential nutrients while keeping you full.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for making soups as it distributes heat evenly and retains warmth well.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping ingredients quick and safe, ensuring even cuts for better cooking results.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accuracy in seasoning which is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100 grams turkey strips, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Broth and Beans
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth (vegetable for vegetarian)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz or 398 ml) or crushed
- 2 cans white kidney beans (19 oz or 540 ml), drained and rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 parm rind
For the Final Touches
- 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta (uncooked) about 130 grams
- 2 cups freshly chopped spinach or kale
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)
Step 1: Sauté Turkey Strips
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped turkey strips. Cook until they are lightly browned.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Sauté until they become translucent.
Step 3: Incorporate Flavors
Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth along with diced tomatoes, drained white kidney beans, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind. Bring everything to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are nearly tender.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Stir in uncooked ditalini pasta. Cover again and cook until pasta is al dente according to package instructions.
Step 6: Add Greens
Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped spinach or kale along with grated Parmesan cheese. Taste your soup; adjust seasonings as desired before enjoying!
How to Serve EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)
Serving your EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool) can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious soup for family and friends.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside a warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta. It’s perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a burst of color and enhances the flavor.
With a Dash of Olive Oil
- Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving for added richness and flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pair with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. This refreshing contrast complements the hearty soup.
In Individual Bowls
- For a more elegant presentation, serve in individual bowls with small spoons. This makes it fun for gatherings!
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle according to their preference, enhancing the cheesy goodness.
How to Perfect EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)
To achieve the best results with your EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool), consider these helpful tips that will enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables provide better flavor than canned or frozen ones, ensuring a vibrant taste.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or increase the pasta amount; this can create a heartier dish.
- Let it Sit: Allowing the soup to rest for 10 minutes after cooking can help meld flavors and improve overall taste.
- Experiment with Beans: While white kidney beans are traditional, feel free to mix in other beans like cannellini or chickpeas for variety.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you enjoy a bit of heat in your soup.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; it’s great reheated!
Best Side Dishes for EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)
Pairing your EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool) with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some perfect options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with soup; simply toast bread with garlic butter until golden brown.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add healthy fiber and color to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers provides variety and flavor contrasts.
- Crispy Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a crunchy complement to the soup.
- Simple Green Salad: Tossed greens with olive oil and lemon juice create a light balance against the hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool), it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Using too much salt – Adding too much salt can overpower the flavors. Start with less and adjust as needed after tasting.
- Skipping the sautéing step – Not sautéing the vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always cook onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft to enhance their flavors.
- Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the pasta too long will result in mushy noodles. Add it near the end of cooking and follow package instructions for al dente.
- Ignoring fresh herbs – Fresh herbs add brightness to your soup. Don’t skip them; add freshly chopped spinach or kale just before serving for a vibrant touch.
- Using low-quality broth – A poor-quality broth can ruin your soup’s taste. Opt for low sodium chicken broth or a flavorful vegetable broth for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool).
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace turkey strips with more beans or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What kind of beans can I use?
White kidney beans are traditional, but you can also use cannellini beans or any other variety you prefer.
How do I make it gluten-free?
To make this EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular ditalini.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or using various types of pasta. Try this comforting dish today and enjoy its rich flavors!
EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool)
Indulge in the warmth of our EASY Pasta Fagioli recipe (Pasta Fazool), a heartwarming soup that combines tender turkey, nutritious beans, and flavorful vegetables in a savory broth. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave everyone wanting more. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this easy-to-make soup can be enjoyed as a main course or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal. In just under 40 minutes, you can create a nourishing bowl of goodness that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100 grams turkey strips, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth (vegetable for vegetarian)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz or 398 ml) or crushed
- 2 cans white kidney beans (19 oz or 540 ml), drained and rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup ditalini or other small pasta (uncooked) about 130 grams
- 2 cups freshly chopped spinach or kale
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sauté the turkey strips until lightly browned.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion; cook until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, drained beans, bay leaf; bring to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in ditalini pasta; cover and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Add chopped spinach or kale along with grated Parmesan just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with extra beans or vegetables and use vegetable broth. Adjust the consistency by modifying the amount of broth or pasta used. Enhance flavor by adding red pepper flakes for some heat.
