Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty soup that combines the rich, earthy flavors of kidney beans with perfectly cooked pasta - a culinary masterpiece that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! This Italian-inspired recipe is not just another soup; it's a quick, nutritious meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 40 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone craving a satisfying meal, this Pasta and Kidney Bean Soup is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle cumin over the vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly, cooking for about 30 seconds to release its aromatic flavors.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add drained and rinsed kidney beans to the simmering broth. Allow the beans to heat through for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes or according to pasta package instructions.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Always rinse canned kidney beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider toasting the cumin briefly before adding it to the vegetables.
- Use high-quality vegetable broth or make your own for a more intense flavor profile.
- Choose pasta shapes that hold soup well, like small shells or rotini, for the best texture.
- If you want to add more protein, consider stirring in some diced cooked chicken or tofu.
- For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the beans before adding them to the soup.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be sprinkled on top just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- If the soup becomes too thick, don't hesitate to add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 238kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
