Smoky Pasta And Bean Soup
A hearty, smoky pasta and bean soup with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta, perfect for comforting meals and satisfying a crowd with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, grated ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans Northern white beans ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 cup macaroni or small pasta ⓘ
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, saute bacon until some fat is rendered.
- Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and red pepper to the skillet.
- Saute until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Stir in beans, add chicken broth, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add pasta and cook gently until pasta is tender but firm.
- Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky depth, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're short on time, you can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. For a heartier soup, add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you don't have Northern white beans, cannellini beans work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this smoky pasta and bean soup with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad From The Lazarus Chintz Room or can be enjoyed on its own as a cozy lunch or dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoky Pasta And Bean Soup contains roughly 1208 calories, with 46g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (210% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2167mg per serving (94% 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 in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. Just reheat before serving, and if you find the pasta has absorbed too much liquid, add a bit more broth or water to loosen it.
What type of pasta should I use?
Macaroni or any small pasta works best for this recipe, as they hold their shape well and blend nicely with the other ingredients. If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free pasta, feel free to substitute that for a healthier option.
Can I add more protein to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add diced cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein. Alternatively, consider incorporating lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
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).