Dive into the heart of Italian cuisine with our delightful Pasta Fagioli Soup, expertly crafted in the Instant Pot! This comforting dish combines tender pasta, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered to perfection in just 40 minutes. Whether you're seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress your guests, this recipe promises to deliver rich flavors and a satisfying experience. Get ready to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds—your new favorite soup is just a few steps away!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the cannellini beans. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Now, add the drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can adjust the seasoning later if needed.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the 'Sealing' position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' function and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- While the soup is cooking, measure out 1 cup of small pasta (like ditalini) and set aside.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the steam release valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the soup. Add the reserved pasta to the pot and select the 'Sauté' function again. Allow the soup to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
- Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Pasta Fagioli Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and rinse the beans ahead of time. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! This enhances the flavors of the onion, garlic, and vegetables, creating a rich base for your soup.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding less broth or increasing the amount of pasta. Conversely, for a brothier version, add a bit more vegetable broth after cooking.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs! Adding a handful of fresh basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the dish even further.
- Perfect Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers in the soup to achieve your desired level of tenderness. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up.
- Garnish to Impress: Elevate your dish by garnishing it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
