After a long and challenging hospital stay, there’s nothing like the comforting embrace of a homemade meal. For those fortunate enough to experience a lovingly prepared dish from a close family member, it can be the perfect remedy for both body and soul. Recently, I returned home to find that my wonderful husband had prepared my absolute favorite dish—Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This classic Italian soup, brimming with savory sausages, hearty vegetables, and tender pasta, truly hit the spot after my lengthy hospital stay. Its rich flavors and warming qualities make it the ideal comfort food for any occasion, especially when you need something hearty and satisfying.
In this article, we’ll dive into how to make this flavorful and filling soup, perfect for a cozy evening with family or friends. The ingredients are simple but come together to create a truly nourishing meal that will make everyone feel right at home.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil is a staple in Italian cooking, providing both a healthy fat and a flavor-packed base for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed – The heart of this soup, providing bold, savory flavors. By removing the casing, the sausage crumbles beautifully into the soup.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions – Onions add a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup, complementing the savory sausages.
- 1 1/2 cups diced carrots – Carrots add a mild sweetness and are also packed with vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to the soup.
- 1 celery stalk with leaves, chopped – Celery contributes a slightly peppery taste and a nice crunch, balancing the other vegetables. The leaves of celery have additional flavor that enhances the soup.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic – Garlic brings a wonderful fragrance and depth to the soup. It pairs perfectly with the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Basil adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of herby goodness, which is a hallmark of Italian cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Rosemary imparts a woodsy, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the sausage.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper – This adds a subtle kick of heat, making the soup more dynamic. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rubbed sage – Sage has an aromatic, slightly peppery taste that complements the sausage and vegetables.
- 5 cups canned chicken broth – This creates the soup’s flavorful base, enriching the dish with a savory depth.
- 1 14 1/2-to 16-ounce can diced tomatoes – Tomatoes provide acidity and brightness, balancing out the richness of the sausage.
- 1 15- to 16-ounce can kidney beans, drained – Beans add substance and protein, making the soup even more filling and hearty.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni – The pasta gives the soup its comforting texture, soaking up the flavorful broth and providing a satisfying bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
- Start by heating the olive oil in a heavy, large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil will begin to shimmer, signaling that it’s ready for the sausage.
- Add the sausages to the pot and use the back of a spoon to break them up into smaller crumbles. Cook the sausage until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes. This will render out some of the fat and intensify the flavor of the sausage.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring that the sausage and vegetables are well combined.
- Season with the dried basil, rosemary, crushed red pepper, and sage. These herbs and spices create a fragrant and flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Continue sautéing the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the aromas fill the kitchen. The sautéing step helps to develop the rich flavors of the soup, as the vegetables start to release their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Beans
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine, ensuring that the sausage and vegetables are fully incorporated into the broth. The tomatoes provide a beautiful balance to the richness of the sausage, adding both sweetness and acidity.
- Add the drained kidney beans. These beans will soak up the flavors of the broth while adding heartiness and protein to the soup.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure that the ingredients are cooking evenly.
Tip: This simmering time is essential for allowing all the flavors to come together, but you can let the soup simmer even longer if you’d like the flavors to intensify further.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
- Add the elbow macaroni to the soup and stir it in. The pasta will cook directly in the soup, absorbing the delicious broth as it softens.
- Simmer the soup for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta will not only add a comforting texture but will also thicken the soup slightly, making it even heartier.
Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can cook the pasta a little longer or even add a bit more pasta. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the broth, so if you prefer a soupier dish, add a little extra broth.
Step 4: Season and Serve
- Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. Taste the soup before seasoning, as the broth and sausage may already add enough saltiness. You can always adjust to suit your preferences.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the hearty flavors of this Italian classic.
Tip: For an extra touch, you can garnish the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of good olive oil before serving.
Helpful Tips for the Best Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Customize the Vegetables: While the recipe calls for onions, carrots, and celery, feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more color and flavor.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade chicken broth on hand, this will add even more richness to the soup.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify as it sits.
- Freezing: Pasta e fagioli freezes well, though the pasta may soften a bit when reheated. If you’re planning to freeze it, you may want to cook the pasta separately and add it when you reheat the soup.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take on this soup, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can substitute extra beans or add plant-based protein to fill the gap.
- Different Beans: You can replace the kidney beans with white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern beans) for a different texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like your soup with more heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes for extra spice.
- Different Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta like ditalini, rotini, or farfalle for a fun variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker along with the broth, tomatoes, and beans. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking it.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot, or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup once the vegetables and beans are soft. This will give the soup a creamy consistency without having to add any cream.
Conclusion
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is the epitome of comfort food. This hearty, flavorful dish is packed with rich, savory sausage, tender vegetables, and wholesome beans, all brought together by the warm, savory broth. With the addition of pasta, it becomes even more satisfying, making it the perfect meal for a cold evening or a special family gathering. Whether you’ve had a rough day or just want to enjoy a bowl of something filling and delicious, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
Enjoy every spoonful of this Italian classic, and let its flavors bring comfort and joy to your home.