Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Pasta Fagioli, a classic Italian dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. This recipe offers a delightful twist by incorporating turkey bacon and chicken ham, lending a smoky flavor while keeping the dish lighter and more family-friendly than traditional options.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weekday meal, this Pasta Fagioli is an easy way to elevate your cooking while providing nutritious ingredients. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and you’ve got a meal that encourages everyone to gather around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Ditalini pasta, small and tubular, is perfect for this dish as it holds onto the broth and flavors, creating a heartier experience. Its size allows for easy eating, making it ideal for family dinners. - 4 slices turkey bacon
Turkey bacon adds a delicious smokiness without the extra fat of traditional pork bacon. It provides a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup, contributing to the comforting feel of the dish. - 1 cup diced chicken ham
Chicken ham brings a unique twist to the traditional recipe, offering a lean protein option that adds texture and flavor. Its mild taste complements the spices, allowing the broth to shine. - 1 medium onion, diced
Onions are a fundamental base for flavor in many dishes. They caramelize during cooking, adding sweetness and depth that serves as a perfect backdrop for the other ingredients. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic qualities. It infuses the broth with a warm, savory flavor, enhancing the overall complexity and making it irresistible. - 2 carrots, diced
Carrots add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the dish. Their slight crunch contrasts nicely with the softer elements, making every bite enjoyable. - 2 celery stalks, diced
Celery contributes a refreshing crunch and a hint of earthiness. It balances the richness of the bacon and ham and adds another layer to the flavor profile. - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and additional protein, enriching the dish’s heartiness. They soak up the flavors beautifully, making every spoonful delightful. - 4 cups chicken broth
Chicken broth forms the liquid base of the soup, infusing it with flavor. Opting for low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness and customize it to your preference. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Dried oregano adds a distinct Italian herb flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. This herb is often used in Mediterranean cooking, making it essential for an authentic taste. - 1 teaspoon dried basil
Basil brings a fragrant, sweet note that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. It pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and beans, creating a harmonious blend. - Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning with salt and pepper is crucial to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust these to suit your palate and elevate the taste experience. - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty finish to the dish. Sprinkling it on top just before serving enhances the overall flavor and provides a lovely visual appeal.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Cook the turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
Cooking the turkey bacon first is critical as it releases its fat, which will be the base for sauteing the vegetables. The crispy texture adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soup's softer ingredients.
Step 2: Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving some fat in the pot.
Setting aside the bacon allows it to retain its crispness for later, while leaving some fat in the pot helps to build the flavor foundation for the vegetables. Be careful not to discard too much fat, as this will enrich the broth.
Step 3: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery together creates a flavorful aromatic base known as a mirepoix. Cooking these ingredients until tender builds a complexity that forms the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the diced chicken ham and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Adding the chicken ham at this point allows it to absorb the flavors from the sautéed vegetables. Cooking it briefly helps enhance its taste and integrates it into the overall mix, ensuring a cohesive flavor profile.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the cannellini beans and spices.
Adding the chicken broth and beans creates the bulk of the soup. The spices will bloom in the heat, infusing the broth with their aromatic qualities. This step is essential for achieving the signature Pasta Fagioli flavor.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Boiling the soup initially helps to meld the flavors together quickly. By reducing the heat to a simmer, you allow the soup to cook gently, intensifying the taste without boiling off the liquid.
Step 7: Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente.
Adding the ditalini pasta allows it to cook in the flavorful broth, ensuring that it picks up every nuance of the taste. Cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy, allowing for a perfect texture that complements the soup.
Step 8: Stir in the reserved turkey bacon and adjust seasonings.
Returning the reserved bacon at the end maintains its texture and adds a burst of flavor. Adjusting seasonings at this stage ensures the soup meets your taste preferences, emphasizing the balance of flavors.
Step 9: Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.
Serving the soup hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan elevates the dish, enhancing both the presentation and flavor. The melted cheese creates a creamy layer on the hot soup, making it even more comforting.
The Magic of Beans in Pasta Fagioli
Cannellini beans are the unsung heroes in Pasta Fagioli, providing not only protein-rich benefits but also a creamy texture that enriches every spoonful. As they simmer in the broth, they absorb flavor while maintaining their shape, adding heartiness without heaviness. This balance makes Pasta Fagioli wholesome and satisfying, allowing it to stand out in the comfort food category.
Why Choose Turkey Bacon?
Using turkey bacon is a delicious way to make this dish lighter while still keeping the essential smoky flavor. It offers a satisfying crunch, and its lower fat content makes the dish healthier without sacrificing taste. Moreover, turkey bacon blends beautifully with the other ingredients, contributing to the complex tapestry of flavors that entire families enjoy.
Customization: Make It Your Own
One of the best aspects of Pasta Fagioli is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different beans, pasta shapes, or even add your favorite vegetables to the mix. By making these changes, you can customize the soup to suit your family's preferences or accommodate seasonal ingredients, ensuring you'll never tire of this comforting classic.
FAQs
What can I do if my Pasta Fagioli turns out too thick?
If your soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. This will ensure all flavors remain balanced and prevent the dish from becoming overly concentrated.
Can I substitute ditalini pasta with another type?
Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional, you can use any small pasta, like elbow macaroni or orzo. Just be mindful of the cooking time as it may vary based on the pasta type.
What should I do if the soup tastes bland?
If your Pasta Fagioli lacks flavor, consider adding more seasoning, like salt, pepper, or herbs. A splash of vinegar can also elevate the overall taste by brightening the dish.
Can I add different vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything remains tender and delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat Pasta Fagioli?
Reheating on the stove over low heat is ideal to gradually warm the soup without scorching. If you use a microwave, do so in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
What can I do if my pasta becomes too overcooked?
If your pasta is mushy, it's best to serve the dish immediately to prevent further softening. For the next time, simply reduce the cooking time when you add the pasta to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
Conclusion
Pasta Fagioli with turkey bacon and chicken ham is more than just a meal; it's an invitation to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of food. This comforting dish, rich in flavors and textures, is perfect for any occasion.
With its easy preparation and nourishing ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy a beloved classic while making it your own. So gather your loved ones, serve up bowls of this hearty soup, and relish every spoonful together.
Recipe Card
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Home Cooks
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and chicken broth together until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the turkey mixture and stir until just combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
