Description
Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a warm and hearty Italian classic combining creamy cannellini beans, tender small pasta shapes, and fresh vegetables, all enriched by smoky smoked turkey bacon. This comforting soup delivers a balanced mix of savory, fresh, and aromatic flavors, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. It’s easily customizable, nourishing, and designed to bring warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or small shells)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (natural)
- 1 tbsp Italian herbs blend (natural) (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked turkey bacon until crisp and browned. Remove some of the rendered fat if desired. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and rinsed cannellini beans. Cook for a few minutes to blend their flavors and create a hearty base.
- Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Italian herbs blend, salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and enrich.
- Cook the Pasta: Add your small pasta shapes to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender but still firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate the Natural Gelling Agent and Greens: Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir well to gently thicken the soup. Add chopped spinach or kale if using, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted and vibrant.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for enhanced natural flavors.
- Add pasta late in cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture.
- Simmer gently to develop flavors without breaking down beans.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity gradually for balance.
- Set aside some beans to mash and stir in for natural thickening.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Italian soup, Pasta e Fagioli, cannellini beans, smoked turkey bacon, hearty soup, plant-based, comfort food, gluten free option
