Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a heartwarming dish that combines the comfort of soup with the satisfying texture of pasta and beans. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to casual gatherings with friends. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a standout meal that will please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Easy Pasta e Fagioli comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
• Nutritious: With a variety of ingredients like beans and vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also healthy.
• Great for Leftovers: It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal meal prep option.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for cooking the soup thoroughly.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while chopping ingredients safely.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and easy preparation of vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for balanced flavors.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth

For the Vegetables

• 3 sticks celery chopped finely
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled & chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced

For the Beans and Tomatoes

• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can red kidney beans drained
• 1 14 oz can cannellini beans or great northern beans drained
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices

For Seasoning

• 1/2 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (or add more to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Place the beef in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You can choose not to drain the fat for added flavor.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, canned beans, chicken broth, red apple vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Simmer

Once boiling, lower the heat to let it simmer partially covered for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Add the uncooked ditalini pasta into the soup. Continue simmering until it’s tender—around another 15-20 minutes. Keep the lid slightly ajar. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you expect leftovers, cook pasta separately to maintain its texture when reheated.

Step 6: Season

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

With this Easy Pasta e Fagioli recipe at hand, you’re ready to whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love! Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Serving Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a delightful experience that enhances the flavors of this hearty dish. It pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that complement its rich taste and texture.

With Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread – Toasted slices of bread topped with garlic butter for a crispy contrast.
• Crusty Baguette – Perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a delightful crunch.

With Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons.
• Mixed Greens Salad – Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grated over the soup adds a savory richness.
• Mozzarella Balls – Fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture that melts beautifully.

With Extra Toppings

• Chopped Fresh Parsley – Adds color and freshness when sprinkled on top.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

How to Perfect Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Perfecting Easy Pasta e Fagioli ensures every bowl is packed with flavor and comfort. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavor Base – Sauté your vegetables until they are soft to release their natural sweetness before adding liquids.
• Fresh Herbs – Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones when possible to enhance the aroma and taste.
• Quality Broth – Choose a flavorful chicken broth as it forms the foundation of your soup’s taste.
• Pasta Timing – Cook pasta separately if you plan to have leftovers; this prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Simmer Longer – Letting the soup simmer longer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer taste.
• Season Gradually – Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook; this helps build depth without overwhelming flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta e Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta e Fagioli can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for a fresh appetizer.
2. Caprese Salad – Layers of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing bite.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies seasoned and roasted until caramelized; they add color and nutrition.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or veggies make a hearty complement to the soup.
5. Polenta Cakes – Creamy polenta set and sliced into cakes; pan-fried for a crispy texture.
6. Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables offers variety and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Pasta e Fagioli, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the beef properly can lead to a bland soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s just browned for maximum flavor.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Cutting vegetables while cooking can slow you down and lead to unevenly cooked ingredients. Chop everything beforehand for a smoother cooking process.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long in the soup can make it mushy. Aim to add it towards the end or cook it separately for better texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning could lead to a flat flavor. Always taste your dish before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: Poor-quality chicken broth can dull the overall taste. Opt for a good quality broth or make your own for richer flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easy Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Pasta e Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Easy Pasta e Fagioli.

What is Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup made with ground beef, beans, pasta, and vegetables simmered in chicken broth.

Can I customize Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

Yes! You can adjust ingredients like adding different beans or vegetables based on your preferences or what you have at home.

How do I thicken Easy Pasta e Fagioli?

To thicken your soup, simply let it simmer longer without the lid or use a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a quicker option.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta e Fagioli is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Try this recipe today; it’ll quickly become a family favorite!