Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe
Introduction
Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that combines tender pasta and beans in a flavorful broth. This recipe serves two, making it perfect for a cozy meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a hearty bowl in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon, chopped*
- ½ small onion, chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste**
- 2 and ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen beans, such as lima or soy
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup dry orzo (or other small pasta)
Instructions
- Step 1: Set a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove all but 2 teaspoons of the bacon fat from the pot and discard the excess fat.
- Step 2: To the bacon in the saucepan, add the onion and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to develop its flavor.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken stock, frozen beans, and salt. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Step 5: Stir in the orzo. Once the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 7-9 minutes.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more traditional flavor.
- Substitute vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly (skip bacon and start with olive oil).
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Swap orzo for small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells if preferred.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of frozen?
Yes, canned beans can be used. Drain and rinse them well, then add them at the same time you add the tomato paste to avoid overcooking the pasta.
What if I don’t have orzo?
You can substitute orzo with any small pasta such as ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti pieces. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta used.
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Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty Pasta e Fagioli recipe perfect for two, featuring crispy bacon, tender orzo pasta, and nutritious beans simmered in a flavorful tomato-based chicken stock broth.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 2 strips bacon, chopped
- ½ small onion, chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings & Pastes
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
Liquids & Pasta
- 2 and ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen beans (such as lima or soy beans)
- ⅓ cup dry orzo (or other small pasta)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Set a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp. Once cooked, carefully remove all but 2 teaspoons of the bacon fat from the pot and discard the excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped onion and finely chopped carrot to the bacon in the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine. Then add the tomato paste and cook while stirring for 30 seconds to develop its flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, frozen beans, and ½ teaspoon salt. Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the dry orzo. When the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 7-9 minutes. Taste and add additional salt if needed before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- You can substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini or small shells.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Using low-sodium chicken stock allows better control over the saltiness of the soup.
- Frozen beans such as lima or soy beans add protein and texture; you can substitute with cannellini or kidney beans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Italian soup, bacon soup, orzo pasta soup, easy dinner for two, bean soup, tomato bean pasta soup
