Description
This Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian-inspired dish packed with tender cannellini beans, savory tomato broth, aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and hearty spinach pasta. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup combines classic flavors with a nutritious twist, topped with grated parmesan for an extra burst of taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
- 14 ½ ounces chicken broth
Beans and Pasta
- 1 can of cannellini beans, with the liquid
- 1 cup uncooked spinach pasta
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions, and cook until the onions become translucent, creating a flavorful vegetable base for the soup.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook these seasonings together for 5 minutes, then add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and chopped peeled tomatoes. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the pasta and beans: Add the uncooked spinach pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook for around 15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente texture. Then, add the cannellini beans along with their liquid, stir to combine, and heat through for a few minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the soup to enhance the flavors. The soup can be accompanied by breadsticks or a crusty slice of bread for a fulfilling meal.
- Optional tip for leftovers: To prevent the pasta from becoming soggy in leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it into the bowls just before serving. This soup pairs well with a sandwich, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- The soup can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- For a thicker soup consistency, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- Cooking pasta separately helps avoid mushy texture in leftovers.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pasta Fagioli, Italian soup, cannellini beans soup, spinach pasta soup, hearty soup, easy dinner recipe
