Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds while stirring, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/pasta-e-fagioli-for-two-recipe/
