Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe

Introduction

Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that combines hearty beans, tender pasta, and savory bacon in a flavorful broth. This easy recipe is perfect for two, making it a cozy meal for a small gathering or weeknight dinner.

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**
• 2½ 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

1. Step 1: Set a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove all but 2 teaspoons of the bacon fat from the pot and discard the excess.
2. Step 2: To the bacon in the saucepan, add the chopped onion and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the tomato paste and cook while stirring for 30 seconds to deepen the flavor.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken stock, frozen beans, and salt. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Stir in the orzo. Once the soup returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 7-9 minutes.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• Try swapping orzo for small shells or ditalini pasta for a different texture.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding the pasta to create creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover soup 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 it has thickened. The pasta may absorb liquid over time, so stirring occasionally while reheating helps maintain the soup’s consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of frozen beans?

Yes, you can substitute canned beans. Rinse and drain them well, and add them along with the stock. Since canned beans are already cooked, add them later in the cooking process to avoid mushiness.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a simple mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works well as a substitute. Use about ½ teaspoon combined to replace the Italian seasoning called for in the recipe.

Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 96 reviews

Pasta e Fagioli for Two is a comforting Italian soup featuring crispy bacon, aromatic vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and hearty frozen beans simmered in a flavorful tomato and chicken stock broth. This easy-to-make, nourishing dish is perfect for a cozy meal for two.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Veggies

• 2 strips bacon, chopped
• ½ small onion, chopped
• ½ cup finely chopped carrot
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasonings & Condiments

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)

Liquids & Beans

• 2 and ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup frozen beans (such as lima or soy beans)

Pasta

• ⅓ cup dry orzo (or other small pasta)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: Set a large saucepan over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp. Remove all but 2 teaspoons of the bacon fat from the pot and discard the excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: To the bacon fat in the saucepan, add the chopped onion and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
3. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds while stirring, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.
4. Add Stock, Beans, and Salt: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock along with the frozen beans and ½ teaspoon of salt. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, stir in the dry orzo pasta. When the broth returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty and cozy Pasta e Fagioli.

Notes

• Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control the salt level, but adjust seasoning to taste.
• You can substitute the bacon with pancetta or omit it for a vegetarian version.
• Orzo can be replaced with any small pasta such as ditalini or small shells.
• Frozen beans like lima or soy beans add great texture and protein; cannellini beans can also be used.
• For additional depth of flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Italian soup, orzo pasta soup, bacon soup, bean soup, easy Italian recipes, soup for two