Pasta And Bean Soup(Pasta E Fagioli)
A hearty Italian-inspired soup combining pasta, beans, vegetables, and savory ham bone for a comforting, flavorsome meal perfect for family dinners and chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp chopped onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chopped carrot ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chopped celery
- 1 ham bone with meat ⓘ
- 3/4 cup canned Italian tomatoes diced with juice ⓘ
- 1 can Northern beans drained ⓘ
- 1 can beef broth with water to make 3 cups ⓘ
- 1 cup tubular macaroni uncooked ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until translucent.
- Add chopped carrot, chopped celery, and the ham bone with meat.
- Continue to saute vegetables and turn the ham bone to brown the meat.
- Reduce heat to simmer.
- Add diced Italian tomatoes with juice and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add drained Northern beans and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Stir in beef broth with water to make 3 cups of liquid.
- Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked tubular macaroni and cook until al dente.
- If soup is too thick, add more broth or water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or fresh herbs like thyme while simmering the soup. For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ham bone with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth. You can also use any type of pasta you have on hand, though tubular shapes like ziti or penne work best for holding the soup's flavors. Browse more Italian recipes for similar comforting dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta and Bean Soup is perfect as a hearty main dish. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. It also pairs beautifully with Sicilian-Style Meatballs And Fettuccine for a satisfying Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup, as pasta tends to absorb liquid when stored. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Bean Soup(Pasta E Fagioli) contains roughly 282 calories, with 14g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (154% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 980mg per serving (43% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to reheat it later, so it doesn’t become mushy.
What can I use instead of Northern beans?
You can substitute Northern beans with cannellini or great northern beans, as they have a similar texture and flavor. If you're looking for a different taste, chickpeas can also work well in this recipe, adding a unique twist.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve the soup with a dash of hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize the spice level to their liking.
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).