Pasta e Fagioli for Two Recipe
Pasta e Fagioli for Two is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring crispy bacon, aromatic vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and creamy frozen beans simmered in a flavorful low-sodium chicken stock. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe balances savory, slightly spicy, and tomato-rich flavors with a satisfying texture and quick stovetop preparation.
- 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 Additions
- ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- ½ tsp. salt, plus more to taste
Liquids and Others
- 2 and ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen beans, such as lima or soy
- ⅓ cup dry orzo (or other small pasta)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Set a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and 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 to keep the soup flavorful without being greasy.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and finely chopped carrot to the bacon in the saucepan. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Then, add the tomato paste and cook while stirring for about 30 seconds to deepen the flavor.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, frozen beans, and ½ teaspoon salt. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the dry orzo pasta once the liquid boils. When the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and add more salt if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal perfect for two.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control the salt level in the soup.
- Frozen beans like lima or soy beans add creaminess and protein, but cannellini or navy beans can be used as alternatives.
- Bacon fat adds rich flavor; keep a small amount to sauté the vegetables for depth.
- Orzo can be substituted with other small pasta shapes such as ditalini or acini di pepe.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit bacon or use a smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat; adjust to your preference.
Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Italian soup, orzo soup, bacon soup, bean soup, quick dinner, stovetop soup, comfort food
Find it online: https://zarameals.com/pasta-e-fagioli-for-two-recipe/
