Italian Pasta-Bean Soup Mix
A hearty Italian-inspired soup combining beans, pasta, and fragrant herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put dried pinto beans, pink beans, and kidney beans into a 3 to 3 1/2-cup jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Place small pasta bows in a sandwich-sized plastic bag and set aside.
- Combine salt, crushed red pepper, instant chicken broth granules, dried rosemary, dried parsley flakes, dried basil leaves, and instant minced garlic in a small pouch using cheesecloth, plastic wrap, or fine netting, and tie securely.
- Put the packet of herbs in the jar with the beans and pasta or tie it to the jar.
- When ready to cook, remove the herb packet and beans from the jar, rinse beans thoroughly, and cook in water until tender.
- Add pasta to the cooked beans and simmer until pasta is tender. Season to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, soak the beans overnight for easier cooking. If you don't have dried rosemary, try using dried thyme instead. For a heartier soup, consider adding diced vegetables like carrots or celery. If you prefer a different pasta shape, small shells or ditalini work well. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Baked Lasagne With Meat And Cream Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Pasta-Bean Soup Mix contains roughly 44 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and initial cooking steps. Rinse and drain the beans, then add them to the soup along with the pasta, simmering until heated through.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the instant chicken broth granules and use vegetable broth instead. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a bay leaf or extra herbs during cooking.
What other ingredients can I add for more protein?
For additional protein, consider adding cooked diced chicken or sausage to the soup. Alternatively, you can incorporate tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Both options will complement the existing flavors nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).