Pasta Fagiola(Bean Soup With Pasta)
A hearty, flavorful bean and pasta soup with smoky bacon, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for all pasta and bean lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried navy beans ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, scraped and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 5 to 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Sort and wash the beans; place them in a large Dutch oven.
- Cover the beans with water 2 inches above them and let soak for 12 to 24 hours. Drain the beans and return them to the Dutch oven.
- Add 4 cups water, tomato sauce, chopped onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, bacon slices, bay leaf, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, minced garlic, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour and 35 minutes or until the beans are tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Add the uncooked macaroni and cook for 10 minutes or until tender.
- Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding chopped potatoes or diced tomatoes. If navy beans are unavailable, great northern beans can be a suitable substitute. To save time, you can use canned beans; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Party Dinner Ham And Cheese Rolls for a delightful gathering. Top each bowl with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fagiola(Bean Soup With Pasta) contains roughly 427 calories, with 16g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (178% of the Daily Value), and calcium (145% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1067mg per serving (46% 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 to save time. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. Skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time significantly, simmering just until heated through.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the vegetables instead. Smoked paprika can add a similar smoky flavor, or you can use vegetarian bacon as an alternative.
How do I know when the beans are tender?
Beans are considered tender when they can be easily mashed between your fingers or with a fork. If they are still firm after the suggested cooking time, continue to simmer and check every 10-15 minutes until they reach the desired softness.
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).