Mama Mia's Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Warm up with my Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup! This comforting Italian classic is inspired by Olive Garden and is perfect for any occasion. It brings together a delightful blend of flavors, making it a standout dish for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup will warm your heart and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices creates a rich, hearty flavor that satisfies.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish; it’s versatile enough to complement any meal.
• Healthy Option: Packed with fiber and nutrients, this soup is a healthy choice for everyone in the family.
• Comforting and Filling: The addition of pasta makes this soup not only comforting but also filling, perfect for chilly nights.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, having the right tools will ensure everything goes smoothly. Gather your equipment before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables easier and safer.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for the best flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup:

Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)

Broth and Beans

• 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g)

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

Pasta

• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape) (about 50g)

Garnish

• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

How to Make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Heat the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring everything to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Stir in the ditalini pasta. Cook until pasta is tender—approximately 10-12 minutes—stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Enjoy your bowl of Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup! Perfectly hearty for any occasion!

How to Serve Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Serving Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a delightful experience that warms both the body and soul. This Italian classic can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its flavors and presentation.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Loaf: A tangy sourdough loaf pairs perfectly with the soup, great for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Flavored with butter and garlic, this option adds a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds freshness.
• Grated Parmesan: Adding Parmesan cheese gives a rich, savory flavor that complements the soup well.

As Part of a Meal

• Salad on the Side: A light green salad can balance the hearty nature of the soup.
• Antipasto Platter: Serve with cured meats, olives, and cheeses for an Italian-inspired meal.

In a Bread Bowl

• Edible Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and tasty twist.

How to Perfect Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup ensures every bowl is as delicious as possible. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and provide better texture in your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs during cooking to suit your palate.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid mushiness.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors even more.
• Store Correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pairing side dishes with Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing and croutons complements the warm soup nicely.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a refreshing bite.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant appetizer alongside your hearty soup.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a flavorful side.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide a comforting addition to your meal.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition, balancing out the meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can result in mushy textures. Aim for them to be tender but not falling apart.
• Adding pasta too early: If you add the pasta at the beginning, it may become overcooked and soggy. Add it during the last part of cooking for perfect texture.
• Using low-quality broth: A great soup starts with a good broth. Opt for high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for a richer flavor.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness to this soup. Don’t skip it—add it at the end to keep its flavor vibrant.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup in airtight containers.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the soup in an oven-safe dish and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and omitting any meat ingredients.

Can I add other vegetables to this Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to include other favorites like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

What type of pasta works best in Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Ditalini is traditional, but small shapes like elbow macaroni or even orzo work well too.

How long does Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup last in the fridge?

The soup lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in airtight containers.

Can I batch cook Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Freeze portions for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful Italian classic!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm up with Mama Mia’s Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, a delightful Italian classic inspired by Olive Garden. This comforting soup combines a medley of beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices for a satisfying and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare in just over an hour, this nutritious recipe is packed with fiber and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup ditalini pasta
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until tender (10-12 minutes).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste; stir in fresh parsley before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg