Description
This comforting and flavorful Pasta Fagioli Soup combines hearty cannellini beans, tender small pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory smoked turkey bacon in a rich, Italian-inspired broth. Easy to prepare and customizable, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings and offers a nourishing meal with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
Proteins & Beans
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, with juice
Liquids & Base
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Pasta & Herbs
- 3/4 cup small pasta shapes (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Finishing
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
- Add smoked turkey bacon: Stir in the chopped smoked turkey bacon. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it releases a smoky aroma and crisps slightly, enriching the soup’s base.
- Incorporate liquids and beans: Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans with their juice, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Include pasta and herbs: Once simmering, add the small pasta shapes along with the fresh rosemary and parsley. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is al dente and has absorbed the flavors of the broth.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste the soup and season with salt, black pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use dried cannellini beans soaked and cooked for deeper flavor and better texture.
- Add pasta at the end of cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh herbs such as rosemary and parsley for vibrant aroma and taste; add delicate herbs near the end.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
- Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your preferred soup consistency, thicker or more brothy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Pasta Fagioli, Italian soup, bean soup, comfort food, vegetarian option, gluten-free option, hearty soup
