This cozy Italian Style Bean and Pasta Soup is warm and filling. Packed with hearty beans, tasty veggies, and little pasta, it’s perfect for chilly days!
Every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl. I love to sprinkle some cheese on top for extra yum! It’s a simple meal that makes my home smell wonderful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely flavor to your soup. If you’re out of it, you can use vegetable or canola oil. But honestly, olive oil gives the best taste!
Ground Italian Sausage: For a lighter meal, turkey sausage is a great swap. I sometimes mix half sausage and half mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Beans: Kidney and cannellini beans give protein and creaminess. Feel free to replace them with chickpeas or black beans if you want a different flavor profile.
Diced Tomatoes: You can use fresh tomatoes if you have them. Just chop up about four medium-sized ones and add a bit of salt to make up for the liquid.
Pasta: Ditalini is traditional, but any small pasta will work. Try using whole wheat pasta for added fiber or even gluten-free options like chickpea pasta.
How Do You Ensure the Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the vegetables properly sets the foundation for your soup’s flavor. Start by sautéing the onions until they’re soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This unlocks their sweetness.
- After adding garlic, carrots, and celery, cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften but still have a bit of crunch.
- Make sure not to rush through these steps. Properly cooked vegetables deepen the soup’s flavor and improve its texture.
amazing, and you’ll know your soup is off to a great start!
3. Brown the Sausage:
Now it’s time to add the ground Italian sausage to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring for about 6-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. This will add a hearty flavor to your soup!
4. Combine the Beans and Tomatoes:
Once the sausage is cooked through, it’s time to add the beans and tomatoes. Toss in the drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the broth as well. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer. This is where all those flavors start to blend beautifully.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Now add the small pasta and the dried Italian herbs into the pot. Let the soup cook for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir every now and then to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means firm to the bite.
7. Season to Taste:
When the pasta is done, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning until it’s just right for you!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve up this delicious soup! Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting Italian Style Bean and Pasta Soup hot!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used until fully cooked.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the soup thickens in the fridge, you can add a little broth or water to loosen it up when reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance, just let it cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
What Type of Pasta Works Best in This Recipe?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow, or even orzo work best. Be sure to check the package instructions for cooking times since they may vary slightly. You can also adjust the amount of pasta based on how hearty you want the soup—just keep an eye on the liquid level!
