Warm Up with Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup. This classic Italian dish brings together hearty beans, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced by the smoky goodness of smoked turkey bacon. It’s a perfect recipe to cozy up with on chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting, flavorful meal that nourishes both the body and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Hearty: The combination of beans and pasta delivers a satisfying texture that fills you up without feeling heavy.
• Smoky Depth: Smoked turkey bacon adds a warm, savory note that elevates every spoonful.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, and tomatoes bring brightness and color.
• Simple Ingredients: It’s easy to find everything you need at your local grocery store, making it a convenient weekday dinner option.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or batch cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup balances flavors and textures effortlessly. Each component adds something special, whether it’s color, heartiness, or aromatic goodness.

• Smoked turkey bacon: Provides a smoky, savory base that enriches the broth.
• Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans give the soup a velvety texture and a gentle, nutty flavor.
• Small pasta shapes: Think ditalini or small shells to hold onto the broth perfectly.
• Carrots and celery: Classic aromatics that add crunch and sweetness to each bite.
• Fresh tomatoes: Bring acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the bacon.
• Garlic and onions: Essential aromatics that create a heartwarming foundation.
• Vegetable broth: Adds depth and keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
• Italian herbs blend (natural): A fragrant mix of oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the classic taste.
• Natural gelling agent: Helps to gently thicken the soup for a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Spinach or kale: Optional greens that add a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.

Variations for Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to adjust for different dietary preferences or just change up the flavors, these tweaks keep the soup exciting every time you make it.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the smoked turkey bacon and use extra vegetable broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for added depth.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to warm things up.
• Different beans: Swap cannellini for kidney beans or chickpeas to experiment with textures.
• Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free small pasta shapes or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
• Extra veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a fuller vegetable medley.

How to Make Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics

Begin by cooking chopped smoked turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp and browned. Remove some of the rendered fat if needed, then add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their fragrances, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and rinsed cannellini beans. This combination will create a hearty base full of flavor and texture. Cook for a few minutes to integrate their flavors.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings

Pour in vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the Italian herbs blend (natural) and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the tastes to meld and the soup to enrich.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add your small pasta shapes and continue simmering until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Incorporate the Natural Gelling Agent and Greens

To gently thicken the soup, sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir well. Add chopped spinach or kale if using, and cook for 2-3 more minutes until wilted and vibrant.

Step 6: Final Taste and Serve

Give the soup a final taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, ready to warm you up from the inside out.

Pro Tips for Making Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the natural flavors, making a noticeable difference.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Add pasta later in the process to keep the perfect al dente texture.
• Simmer gently: Keep the soup at a low simmer to develop flavors slowly without breaking down the beans.
• Taste as you go: Adjust salt, pepper, and acidity gradually for balanced seasoning.
• Save some beans aside: Mash a handful and stir them in to naturally thicken the soup.

How to Serve Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil (plant-based) on top for a fresh herbal finish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of plant-based Parmesan cheese adds richness and a lovely final touch.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or warm crusty bread for dipping that soaks up every last bit of this soulful soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For elegant entertaining, serve Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup in individual bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. Pair with a small antipasto plate of olives, marinated vegetables, and smoked turkey slices to elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Flavors continue to develop, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully in meal-sized portions. Leave out pasta if you plan to freeze, and simply cook fresh pasta when reheating to preserve texture.

Reheating

Warm gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it’s too thick, and finish by cooking your fresh pasta before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak them overnight and cook separately before adding to the soup to ensure they’re tender and ready.

What pasta works best in Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Small shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni work best because they hold the broth well and offer a perfect bite-sized texture.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, simply omit the smoked turkey bacon and use vegetable broth along with a splash of apple cider vinegar to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Start by sautéing the aromatics and smoked turkey bacon, then add all ingredients (except pasta) to the slow cooker. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes to maintain texture.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Mashing some of the beans or using a natural gelling agent helps thicken the soup while maintaining a creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup, especially when it’s bursting with smoky, fresh, and wholesome flavors. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday afternoon, this soup is a delightful way to nourish yourself and your loved ones. Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cozy magic of this timeless classic!

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