Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is a delightful blend of flavors that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings, this hearty soup combines lean ground beef, nutritious beans, and vibrant vegetables. Easy to prepare, it’s a comforting dish that will impress your family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and Comforting: This soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out on cold days.
• Hearty Ingredients: Packed with protein from beef and beans, it keeps you full and satisfied.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplifies cleanup with minimal dishes required while allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this pasta fagioli soup recipe seamless, having the right tools is essential. With just a few kitchen staples, you can create this comforting dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients together without overflow.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking.
• Knife: A quality knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.

Ingredients

This pasta fagioli soup recipe is cozy, savory, and full of traditional Italian comfort. Made with lean ground beef, beans, vegetables, pasta, and herbs, it’s a hearty one-pot meal you’ll come back to again and again.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Flavoring

• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Beans

• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

For Garnish

• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese, for garnish

How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

This step-by-step guide will help you master this delicious pasta fagioli soup recipe.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the same pot. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Combine Base Ingredients

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, sugar, and all dried herbs. Return beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the soup simmers, cook ditalini in a separate pot until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans

Add cooked pasta along with kidney beans and great Northern beans into the soup mixture. Stir well and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust consistency with extra water if desired.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in minced parsley just before serving. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for maximum enjoyment!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Serving Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes, making it versatile for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, enhancing the flavors and providing a satisfying texture.

Topped with Cheese

• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor that complements the savory broth and hearty ingredients.

Fresh Herbs Garnish

• Sprinkling fresh parsley on top not only adds color but also provides a fresh taste that brightens the dish.

Accompanied by Salad

• A light side salad balances the richness of the soup. Consider mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

In Individual Bowls

• Serving in individual bowls allows guests to enjoy their own portions, adding a personal touch to your meal presentation.

Paired with Wine or Sparkling Water

• While avoiding alcohol, consider serving sparkling water with lemon or a fruity non-alcoholic beverage for a refreshing pairing.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Perfecting your Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide the best flavor and texture for your soup.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for a personalized flavor profile.

• Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking ditalini separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup. Add it just before serving.

• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors; just be careful not to overcook the pasta.

• Make Ahead: This soup can taste even better the next day. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for enhanced flavors.

• Freeze Leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze them in individual portions for an easy meal later on.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli Soup can create a more complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious soup.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.

3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction serve as a refreshing side.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth to your meal while being nutritious and colorful.

5. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide additional protein and make for a filling side.

6. Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates an inviting appetizer before serving soup.

7. Risotto Cakes: Crispy risotto cakes bring a delightful texture contrast alongside your comforting bowl of soup.

8. Herb Focaccia: Soft focaccia infused with herbs makes for an excellent dipper alongside this flavorful Italian dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style), avoiding common mistakes can lead to a more delicious result.

• Not browning the beef properly: Failing to brown the ground beef well can result in a less flavorful soup. Always take the time to cook it until it’s nicely browned.
• Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing vegetables before adding liquids enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step; it’s essential for building depth in your soup.
• Using too much water: Adding excessive water can dilute the flavors. Start with the recipe’s recommended water amount and adjust as needed for consistency.
• Neglecting to season throughout: Seasoning at only one point is a mistake. Taste and adjust seasoning, especially after adding beans and pasta, for balanced flavors.
• Cooking pasta too long: Overcooking pasta in the soup can make it mushy. Cook it al dente separately and add it just before serving for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) that may help you.

What type of pasta works best for Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Ditalini pasta is traditionally used in Pasta Fagioli Soup. However, you can substitute with any small pasta shape you prefer.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Pasta Fagioli Soup?

You can add more herbs like fresh basil or rosemary, or even include a splash of lemon juice before serving for added brightness.

Can I use canned beans?

Absolutely! Canned beans are convenient and save time. Just be sure to rinse them before adding them to your soup.

How long does it take to make Pasta Fagioli Soup?

The total time for this recipe is about 50 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe (Barefoot Contessa Style) is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Its rich flavors and customizable ingredients make it versatile enough to suit everyone’s taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or proteins!