Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Bacon & Bean Pasta Soup?
It is a comforting, nutrient-dense winter soup featuring crispy bacon, tender vegetables, hearty white beans, and small shell pasta.
How many servings does this soup recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one can of Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Small shell pasta is recommended for this hearty soup.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 8.75g of protein per serving.
Is this soup a good source of fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 5.5g of dietary fiber.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sodium does this recipe contain?
One serving contains approximately 262.5mg of sodium.
What is the first step in preparing the soup?
The first step is to cook 3 slices of diced bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until almost crispy, which takes about 5 minutes.
Which vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes finely diced onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrot.
How long should the vegetables be cooked?
The onion, celery, and carrots should be cooked for about 5 minutes until softened.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One clove of garlic should be crushed and stirred in for about a minute until fragrant.
When do I add the diced tomatoes?
Add the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes after the garlic is fragrant and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 6 cups of chicken broth.
How long does the pasta take to cook?
The small shell pasta typically takes 8 to 10 minutes to reach al dente consistency.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick?
If the soup thickens too much, simply stir in a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple steps.
Can I eat this soup if I am watching my cholesterol?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a low cholesterol recipe.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Main tags include soup, pasta, beans, bacon, winter recipe, and comfort food.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of finely diced onion.
How much celery is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
How much carrot is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped carrot.
What is the cooking time for the tomatoes?
The diced tomatoes should simmer with the vegetable mixture for about 10 minutes.
At what point are the beans added?
The beans are added to the pot along with the chicken broth before bringing the mixture to a boil.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of small shell pasta.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a winter recipe designed to lift spirits on chilly evenings.
Can the bacon be replaced?
While the recipe calls for bacon, you could substitute it with pancetta or a smoked vegetarian alternative if preferred.
Should the beans be drained before use?
Yes, the great northern beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the soup.
How should the soup be served?
The soup should be served hot immediately after the pasta is cooked.