Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe

Introduction

Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that combines hearty beans and tender pasta in a flavorful broth. This recipe is perfectly scaled for two, making it ideal for a cozy meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a warm, satisfying dish 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

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 fat.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and carrot to the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the tomato paste and cook while stirring for 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock, frozen beans, and salt. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. 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. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• Swap the orzo with small shells or ditalini pasta to change the texture slightly.
• If you like a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste or reduce the broth slightly while simmering.
• Use fresh beans if available, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water 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, you can substitute canned beans. Drain and rinse them before adding, and add them during the simmering step to warm through since they’re already cooked.

What can I use instead of bacon for a smoky flavor?

You can use smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke along with olive oil to add smokiness without meat.

Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

A comforting and hearty Pasta e Fagioli recipe designed for two, featuring a flavorful broth enriched with bacon, vegetables, and orzo pasta. This classic Italian soup combines tender beans, savory tomato paste, and aromatic seasonings for a quick, satisfying meal.

• Author: Ria
• 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 and Aromatics

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

Seasonings and Flavorings

• ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• ½ tsp. salt

Liquids and Pasta

• 2 and ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup frozen beans (such as lima beans or soy beans)
• ⅓ cup dry orzo (or other small pasta)

Instructions

1. Cook 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 pan and discard the excess fat.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and carrot to the saucepan with the reserved bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using, stirring to combine. Incorporate the tomato paste and cook while stirring for 30 seconds to develop its flavor.
3. Add liquids and beans: 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.
4. Cook pasta and simmer: Stir in the dry orzo pasta. Once the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo pasta is tender, about 7 to 9 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust salt seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable stock instead.
• Frozen beans like lima, soy, or cannellini beans work well; avoid thawing before adding.
• For a thicker soup, reduce the stock amount or add more orzo.
• Adding crushed red pepper flakes is optional and adjusts the spice level.
• Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control the salt content in the recipe.

Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Italian soup, orzo soup, bean soup, easy dinner for two, quick soup recipe