Classic Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup 🍲✨
This comforting and hearty soup is packed with the bold flavors of Italy. Perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings, it combines ground beef, tender vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to please every palate!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 🍖
- 1 onion, chopped 🧅
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped 🥕
- 4 stalks celery, chopped 🌿
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 🍅
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 🍅
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor) 🥣
- 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) 🌶️
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta) 🍝
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) 🧀
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base:
- Return the cooked beef to the pot.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Add the basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
4. Cook the Pasta Separately:
- In a separate pot, cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Add Beans and Pasta:
- Stir in the cannellini beans, kidney beans, and cooked pasta.
- Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Fagioli:
- Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery touch.
- Customize the Pasta: Feel free to use macaroni, orzo, or broken spaghetti as substitutes for ditalini.
- Freezer-Friendly: The soup freezes well, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh when reheating.
Warm, hearty, and packed with Italian flavors, this Pasta Fagioli is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Pair it with a glass of red wine and enjoy! 🍷🍝