Description
Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a warm and comforting dish that combines hearty Great Northern beans, smoky turkey, fresh herbs, and tender pasta in a flavorful vegetable broth. This classic soup offers rich layers of taste, nutritious ingredients, and a satisfying texture, perfect for cozy meals and customizable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Protein
- 1 ½ cups Great Northern beans, soaked overnight or 2 cans (15 oz each), rinsed and drained
- 1 cup smoked turkey, diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Pasta
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or elbow macaroni, gluten-free or whole grain if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until fragrant and tender, about 5-7 minutes. This combination creates the flavorful foundation of the soup.
- Add turkey and seasonings: Stir in the diced smoked turkey and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the smokiness to infuse. Add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), chopped rosemary, and thyme, mixing well to deepen the flavor profile.
- Introduce beans and broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the beans are soft and flavors meld together.
- Add pasta and tomatoes: Add the small pasta shapes and fresh tomatoes to the pot. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with fresh herbs and seasoning: Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use homemade vegetable broth for best flavor or a high-quality store-bought broth.
- Cook pasta separately if planning to store leftovers to avoid mushiness; add before serving.
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight for better texture; canned beans are a quicker alternative.
- Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more broth for a thinner soup or reducing liquid for a thicker texture.
- Simmer the soup gently at low heat to fully develop its rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Italian soup, pasta e fagioli, hearty bean soup, smoky turkey soup, comfort food, gluten-free soup, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
