Description
Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and fragrant fresh herbs simmered in a rich vegetable broth. Perfect for chilly days, this nutritious and filling soup delivers a warming bowl of goodness with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (natural)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Broth and Thickening
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Pasta and Greens
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale leaves
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crisp and fragrant. Stir in diced onions and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent to create an aromatic foundation for the soup.
- Build the Flavor with Vegetables and Herbs: Add diced tomatoes (natural), fresh rosemary, and thyme to the pot. Cook together for a few minutes, allowing the herbs to release their oils and meld with the smoky bacon and aromatic vegetables.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cannellini beans and the natural gelling agent to thicken the soup slightly, providing creaminess without heaviness. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to blend all flavors beautifully.
- Incorporate Pasta and Greens: Stir in the small pasta and fresh spinach or kale leaves. Cook until the pasta is tender but still al dente and the greens have just wilted, ensuring vibrant color and texture in the final bowl.
- Final Seasoning and Brightness: Add apple cider vinegar (natural) and adjust salt and pepper to taste. This lift balances the richness and rounds out the savory notes, making every spoonful delightful and fresh.
Notes
- Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni to balance beans and broth.
- Add pasta in the last few minutes to keep texture perfect and avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh herbs for elevated flavors.
- Season gradually, tasting frequently to achieve balanced seasoning.
- Simmer gently on low heat to develop flavors without breaking down ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian pasta e fagioli, pasta and bean soup, smoked turkey bacon soup, comforting soup, hearty Italian soup
