Minestre Fagioli
A hearty Italian bean and pasta soup with fresh herbs, savory prosciutto, and tender vegetables—perfect for comforting dinners and easily adaptable for vegetarian options.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped ⓘ
- 1 carrot, chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 fennel bulb, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. deli-sliced prosciutto, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (14-1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 c. reduced-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. tubetti ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 c. thinly sliced basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped garlic, celery, carrot, onion, fennel, and prosciutto; cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rinsed cannellini beans, and tubetti pasta; bring to a boil.
- Cook until pasta is tender, about 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms for a savory umami kick. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale to boost the nutrition and flavor profile of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestre fagioli hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley and basil for a vibrant finish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or Crostini Di Fegatini(Chicken Liver Croutons) for a delightful contrast. This dish also makes a hearty lunch or dinner when accompanied by a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the minestre fagioli on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This will help retain the soup's original texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestre Fagioli contains roughly 1638 calories, with 61g protein, 361g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (430% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1516mg per serving (66% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other varieties like kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding to the soup for the best results.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! To make this minestre fagioli gluten-free, simply replace the tubetti pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative. Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to maintain its texture.
What should I do if I don't have fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs aren't available, you can use dried herbs instead. Typically, 1 teaspoon of dried herbs equals 1 tablespoon of fresh. Just add them earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to develop fully.
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).