Delve into the rich, heartwarming flavors of this Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup. It’s a hearty mix of beans, vegetables, and spinach pasta, simmered in a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad, this soup is bound to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a filling, wholesome meal in a bowl.
- Simple Ingredients: All pantry staples and fresh veggies make this an easy and quick recipe to prepare.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen when stored, making it even tastier the next day.
Ingredients:
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 can of cannellini beans (with liquid)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
- 14 ½ ounces chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked spinach pasta
- Grated parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
How to Make Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup:
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Add Celery and Onion: Toss in the chopped celery and onion, cooking until the onions are translucent—about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids
- Seasonings: Add dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Tomatoes and Broth: Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
- Pasta: Stir in the uncooked spinach pasta and let it cook in the soup for 12-15 minutes, or until al dente.
Step 6: Add Beans
- Beans: Add the can of cannellini beans, including their liquid, to the soup. Stir well to combine and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Breadsticks or Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with warm breadsticks or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Salad or Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, well-rounded meal.
For added richness, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Pro Tip:
If you plan on having leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before ladling the soup on top. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when stored in the fridge.
Storage Options:
Refrigerator:
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to thin it out as the pasta may absorb some of the liquid.
Freezer:
- This soup freezes well. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy!