Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe brings a comforting taste of Italian cuisine right to your table. This hearty soup combines celery, onions, and tomatoes with cannellini beans and flavorful seasonings, simmered to perfection. The addition of spinach pasta adds a delightful texture, making each spoonful satisfying.

Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this soup is perfect as a main course or served alongside bread sticks or a crusty slice of bread. Its rich, savory flavor and versatility make it a great choice for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Ingredients

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 can of cannellini beans, with the liquid

1 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp Italian seasoning

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

8 ounces of tomato sauce

14 ½ ounces chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup uncooked spinach pasta

Instructions:

In a large saucepan or dutch oven, heat the olive oil and add in the celery and onions

Cook until onions are translucent

Add in the seasonings and cook for 5 minutes

Add the tomato sauce, the chicken broth and tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes

Add pasta and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente

Add the can of beans with juice, stir to combine and heat through

Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving

Can be served with bread sticks or a crusty slice of bread.

Pasta can also be cooked separately and placed in the bowl prior to the soup, this will prevent soggy mushy pasta in the leftovers.

Serve with a sandwich, roasted vegetables or any type of salad.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Pasta Texture: To avoid mushy pasta in leftovers, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before ladling the soup over it. This method keeps the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy.

Beans: Using cannellini beans with their liquid helps thicken the soup and adds extra flavor. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the soup.

Seasonings: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the soup. You can also experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano for more depth of flavor.

Tomatoes: Using both chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce provides a rich, well-rounded tomato flavor. For a smoother texture, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.

Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs well with bread sticks, a crusty slice of bread, or a side salad. It’s also great as a standalone meal or with a simple sandwich or roasted vegetables.

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

If you want to avoid soggy pasta in leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl before serving.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian.

Ensure that all other ingredients are also vegetarian.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How can I make the soup spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Adjust according to your heat preference.

What if I don’t have spinach pasta?

You can use any type of pasta, such as elbow macaroni or penne.

Spinach pasta adds extra nutrients, but regular pasta works just fine.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes.

Peel and chop them into small pieces, and add them to the soup.

You might need to simmer a bit longer to achieve the desired thickness.

How do I make the soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of cream or milk just before serving.

Another option is to blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook the dried beans separately before adding them to the soup.

Canned beans are convenient and quicker to use.

How do I adjust the seasoning?

Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with breadsticks, a crusty slice of bread, or a simple salad.

It also complements sandwiches and roasted vegetables.