Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe
A comforting and hearty Italian-inspired soup for two, combining crisp bacon, aromatic vegetables, tender beans, and orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken stock. Perfect for a cozy meal with balanced textures and bold flavors.
- 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 and Vegetables
- 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 Other
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen beans, such as lima or soy
- ⅓ cup dry orzo (or other small pasta)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: 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.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add the chopped onion and carrot to the bacon in the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then 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, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
- Add Stock, Beans, and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, frozen beans, and salt. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the dry orzo once boiling. When the liquid returns to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt as needed before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen beans with fresh or canned beans if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Using low-sodium chicken stock allows better control over salt levels.
Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Italian soup, bacon soup, orzo soup, easy pasta soup, hearty soup, comfort food
Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/pasta-e-fagioli-for-two-recipe/
