Easy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe to Warm Up
If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, this Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe is your go-to meal. Cozy up with this easy Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe packed with rich flavors, hearty beans, smoked turkey, and fresh vegetables for a warm meal that satisfies your hunger and soul. It’s the perfect blend of creamy broth, tender pasta, and wholesome ingredients that makes it a family favorite all year round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A hearty classic: This recipe brings you the timeless flavors of an Italian-inspired soup that warms you up from the inside out.
- Nutritious and filling: Loaded with beans, veggies, and protein, it delivers a balanced meal in every bowl.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that are easy to find and quick to prepare.
- Comfort food made easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
- Versatile and customizable: This soup adapts beautifully to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pasta Fagioli Soup brings together simple but essential ingredients, each contributing unique flavors, textures, and nutrition to the dish. From savory smoked turkey pieces to fresh aromatic herbs and creamy beans, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that classic homemade taste.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich base and a hint of fruitiness.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- Carrots and celery: Provide crunch and earthiness, making the broth naturally robust.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the soup with warmth and a little zing.
- Canned white beans: Great source of protein and give the soup hearty creaminess.
- Diced smoked turkey: Adds smoky flavor and lean protein to keep you satisfied.
- Vegetable broth: The soul of the soup, creating a flavorful and comforting liquid base.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Bring a touch of acidity and brightness to the soup.
- Small pasta shapes (like ditalini or elbow macaroni): These tender, bite-sized pastas blend perfectly without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme: Aromatic herbs elevate the broth with cozy, woodsy notes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal): Optional for topping, adding a melty, savory finish.
Variations for Pasta Fagioli Soup
Part of the joy of Pasta Fagioli Soup is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to swap ingredients, suit dietary preferences, or add a personal twist, there’s an option for every palate.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the smoked turkey and add extra beans or mushrooms for hearty texture.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta or small quinoa for a light yet filling alternative.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder to warm things up.
- Extra greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes for added color and nutrients.
- Thick and creamy: Purée a portion of the beans and broth then stir back to create a naturally creamy consistency without dairy.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Let the aroma fill your kitchen as they cook for 1-2 minutes without browning, releasing their essential oils.
Step 3: Incorporate Smoked Turkey and Tomatoes
Add diced smoked turkey and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes to let those flavors meld.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Beans
Pour vegetable broth into the pot along with rinsed white beans. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes for flavors to harmonize beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Carefully add your pasta to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the rosemary and thyme stems if whole, and give your soup one last stir before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Use dried herbs: If fresh isn’t available, dried rosemary and thyme add great flavor just use about one-third the amount.
- Cook pasta separately: For leftovers, cook pasta separately and add it to individual bowls to prevent overcooking.
- Don’t over-salt early: Wait to add salt at the end, especially if your broth or canned beans contain sodium.
- Use canned beans wisely: Rinse to reduce excess salt and improve the soup’s overall lightness.
- Let it rest: The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup
Garnishes
Top your bowl with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), a drizzle of quality olive oil, or a few fresh basil leaves for brightness that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pasta Fagioli Soup with crusty whole-grain bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad to round out the meal with texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an eye-catching, edible container that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pasta Fagioli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy multiple comforting meals.
Freezing
This soup freezes well when cooled completely; portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with pasta to keep texture fresh.
Reheating
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust thickness.
FAQs
Can I use other beans besides white beans?
Absolutely! Cannellini, great northern, or even kidney beans can be swapped in, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the Pasta Fagioli Soup.
Is it okay to use fresh pasta?
Fresh pasta cooks faster and gives a slightly different texture, so add it closer to serving time to avoid it getting mushy in the soup.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Simply replace smoked turkey with plant-based smoked slices or extra beans and use vegetable broth to maintain rich, savory flavors.
What’s the best pasta shape for Pasta Fagioli Soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they blend nicely with the beans and vegetables without overpowering the soup.
Can I prepare Pasta Fagioli Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except pasta in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding pasta during the last 20 minutes to prevent it from overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Fagioli Soup is one of those comforting recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing any time you crave a bowl of delicious home-cooked goodness. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a staple in your kitchen and your heart.
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Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian option available, Gluten Free option available
Description
This comforting and flavorful Pasta Fagioli Soup is an easy-to-make meal perfect for warming up any day. Packed with hearty white beans, savory smoked turkey, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta in a creamy broth, it delivers a nutritious and satisfying bowl that is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights. With simple pantry staples and versatile options, this Italian-inspired soup is ready in under an hour and easily customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced smoked turkey
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 3/4 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), for topping
- Fresh basil leaves
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Your Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning, allowing the aromas and essential oils to release.
- Incorporate Smoked Turkey and Tomatoes: Add diced smoked turkey and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Pour in Broth and Beans: Pour vegetable broth into the pot along with rinsed white beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Add pasta carefully to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Final Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove rosemary and thyme stems if they are whole. Stir the soup well before serving.
Notes
- Use dried rosemary and thyme if fresh are not available; reduce quantity to about one-third.
- To keep pasta from overcooking in leftovers, cook pasta separately and add it to bowls when serving.
- Wait to add salt at the end, especially if broth or beans contain sodium.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce excess salt and lighten the soup.
- The soup tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Pasta Fagioli, Italian soup, white beans soup, smoked turkey soup, comforting soup, easy dinner, creamy soup, vegetable broth, ditalini pasta, healthy soup