Mama Mia's Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Warm up with my Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup! This comforting Italian classic is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to gatherings with friends. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with nutritious vegetables and beans, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of only 20 minutes, you can have this delicious soup ready in just over an hour.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices creates a rich, savory taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Recipe: Feel free to customize it by adding more veggies or using different pasta shapes based on what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this soup tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for making large batches of soup, ensuring even cooking while allowing plenty of room for all the ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while providing excellent control over mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to prepare Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup:

Vegetables and Oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)

Broth and Beans

• 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g)

Herbs and Spices

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

Pasta and Seasoning

• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape) (about 50g)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How to Make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook until softened for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the rinsed cannellini beans, undrained diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes. This step helps meld all those delicious flavors together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the ditalini pasta. Cook until tender—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Stir in fresh parsley before ladling into bowls. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Enjoy every spoonful of Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup!

How to Serve Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making it a memorable meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: A slice of warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: Enhance the flavors with garlic bread that complements the savory soup beautifully.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing pairs well, adding a crunchy texture to your meal.

Top it Off

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with extra chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
• Cheese: Consider offering grated Parmesan on the side for those who enjoy a cheesy finish.

How to Perfect Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can make this dish even more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Broth: A good chicken broth enhances the soup’s flavor. Homemade broth is ideal but store-bought works too.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed to suit your preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the ditalini pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
• Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a refreshing appetizer.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and vegetables add a hearty complement to your soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a fresh and vibrant side.
5. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers a comforting side that matches well with the soup’s texture.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip: This warm dip served with tortilla chips adds a deliciously creamy option to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can be simple, but there are a few mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some common errors to avoid:

• Boldly skip the sautéing: Not sautéing the vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always start by cooking onions, carrots, and celery until softened for better flavor.

• Boldly overlook seasoning: Adding salt and pepper at the end can result in uneven flavor. Taste throughout the cooking process to ensure balanced seasoning.

• Boldly ignore pasta cooking time: Overcooking pasta in soup can make it mushy. Follow the suggested cooking times for the best texture.

• Boldly use cold broth: Starting with cold broth can slow down cooking. Warm your chicken broth before adding it to speed up the simmering process.

• Boldly forget garnishes: Skipping garnishes like fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese removes depth from your dish. Always finish with fresh herbs for added brightness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup:

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

Yes! While cannellini beans add creaminess, you can substitute them with kidney beans or chickpeas based on your preference.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat ingredients if included.

What is the best type of pasta to use?

Ditalini pasta works well, but you can use any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or mini shells for variety.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers of Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or different types of pasta. This soup is perfect for any season and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Warm up with Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, a comforting Italian classic that promises to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s loaded with nutritious vegetables, hearty beans, and flavorful herbs, creating a delicious meal in just over an hour. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite pasta shapes or additional veggies. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this dish that tastes even better as leftovers!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Stir in rinsed cannellini beans, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Add ditalini pasta and cook until tender (10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg