Description
This Pasta Fagioli Soup from Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is a cozy, hearty Italian-style soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables in a rich tomato broth. It’s full of flavor and perfect for chilly nights or an easy weeknight dinner
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 cup yellow onion, chopped
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1 cup carrots, diced
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1 cup celery, diced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian)
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1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
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Stir in the garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
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Add the cannellini and kidney beans and continue simmering for 10 more minutes.
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In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Stir cooked pasta and Parmesan into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
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To keep pasta from soaking up all the broth, store it separately and add it just before serving.
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For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
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This soup freezes well—just freeze without the pasta and add fresh when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 7mg