Hearty Italian Bean and Pasta Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, nutritious, and delicious meal, this Italian bean and pasta soup is a perfect choice. It’s filled with hearty ingredients like cannellini beans, vegetables, and spinach pasta, making it both filling and flavorful. Whether you’re seeking a cozy lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, this soup comes together quickly and offers flexibility for various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 can of cannellini beans, with the liquid
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
- 14 ½ ounces chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked spinach pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add in the chopped celery and onions. Cook until the onions become translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The olive oil will enhance the flavors of the vegetables, adding richness to the base of the soup.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Allow the seasonings to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant and the herbs to release their aromas. This step is crucial for building a deep, flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Tomatoes
Once the vegetables and seasonings are cooked, add the peeled and chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option). Bring the mixture to a simmer, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory broth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Now it’s time to add the uncooked spinach pasta to the pot. If you don’t have spinach pasta, any other type of pasta will work just as well. Cook the pasta for about 15 minutes or until it’s al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add the Beans
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the can of cannellini beans, including the liquid from the can. The bean liquid helps to thicken the soup, adding an extra layer of richness. Heat the soup through for another 5 minutes, allowing the beans to warm up and the flavors to come together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over each bowl. Serve the soup with breadsticks, a crusty slice of bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Italian Bean and Pasta Soup
Control the Pasta Texture
One common issue with soup that contains pasta is that the pasta can absorb too much liquid and become mushy, especially if you plan to store leftovers. To avoid this, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving. This keeps the pasta perfectly al dente and prevents it from turning soggy when the soup is stored in the fridge.
Boost the Flavor with Bean Liquid
The liquid in canned beans often gets discarded, but in this recipe, it plays an important role. It helps to thicken the soup and adds extra flavor, making the broth richer and heartier. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can also mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the soup.
Adjust the Heat Level
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the soup. If you enjoy spicy dishes, feel free to increase the amount or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
Experiment with Different Pasta
While spinach pasta adds a lovely color and extra nutrients to the dish, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand. Elbow macaroni, penne, or even whole wheat pasta will work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes
Using both fresh chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce in this recipe creates a deep, layered tomato flavor. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the fresh tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Alternatively, you can use canned diced tomatoes for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. If you’re concerned about the pasta becoming mushy in leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl before serving. This way, the pasta remains firm, and the texture of the soup is preserved.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Ensure that the rest of your ingredients are also vegetarian. You’ll still get a hearty, flavorful soup with this simple swap.
Can I Freeze the Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes very well, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta, as the pasta can become too soft when reheated. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and reheat the soup, then add freshly cooked pasta.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
To add more heat to the soup, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also include chopped fresh chili peppers or use spicy sausage as an additional ingredient if you want to kick it up a notch.
What If I Don’t Have Spinach Pasta?
No problem! You can use any type of pasta you like. Spinach pasta adds extra nutrients and a lovely green color to the dish, but regular pasta works just fine. Choose your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle, for a fun twist.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work wonderfully in this soup. Simply peel and chop them into small pieces before adding them to the pot. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the fresh tomatoes before adding them. Keep in mind that you might need to simmer the soup a little longer to achieve the desired thickness.
How Do I Make the Soup Creamier?
For a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of cream or milk just before serving. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in, which will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture without adding dairy.
Can I Use Dried Beans Instead of Canned?
Yes, but using dried beans requires additional time for soaking and cooking. You’ll need to soak the beans overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. Canned beans are convenient and save time, but dried beans can provide a deeper flavor and firmer texture if you prefer.
How Do I Adjust the Seasoning?
As the soup simmers, taste it periodically and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it tastes too bland, add a pinch of salt or pepper. You can also enhance the flavor with additional Italian seasoning, parsley, or basil. If you prefer more spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with breadsticks, a crusty slice of bread, or a side salad. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it alongside a simple sandwich or roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that complements a wide variety of sides.
Conclusion
This hearty Italian bean and pasta soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy lunch, a simple dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this soup is versatile and delicious. With tender pasta, creamy beans, and a flavorful broth, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness!