Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup

         This is an Italian pasta soup that is loaded with hearty vegetables, ground beef, soft and tasty beans and the perfect combination of seasonings. Along with the pasta, this is a meal that stands alone! This is a copycat recipe that I have tweaked and given it flavors that are closer that what was in the original copycat recipe.

            This soup is hearty, it is filling and it is healthy. What more does a person want from soup? Oh yeah, flavor! Trust me, there is no end to the flavor with the combinations of ingredients. You will be amazed at how easy this comes together, all in one pot. This gives you more time with the family and less time cleaning up.

            I have made this soup adding cooked ground beef to it. It tasted fabulous and was even more filling than I could imagine.

The soup can be the main dish at dinner or you could serve it before the main course.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            How do I store this soup?

I store whatever is remaining after a meal in separate containers. This makes it easier to heat up just a single serving. You can store this soup in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.

            Can I put this in the freezer?

When placed in an airtight container, you can keep this soup in the freezer for three months.

            Can I cook the pasta right in the soup?

You could, however, if there are any leftovers, the pasta will become soggy. It is best to only cook the pasta right before eating and place the single servings in a bowl then add the soup to it.

            How do I reheat the soup?

You can reheat the soup by using a saucepan on the stove top, or you can place a single serve container into the microwave and stir once or twice during the cooking cycle.

What do you need to make Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup

            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

How to make Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup

FIRST STEP:

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

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

Cook until onions are translucent

Add in the seasonings and cook for 5 minutes

SECOND STEP:

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

a)

b)

c)

d)

THIRD STEP:

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

a)

b)

FOURTH STEP:

Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving

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

FIFTH STEP:

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!

YUM!