Hearty Tuscan Bean & Pasta Medley
Delight in the rich flavors of Italy with this Hearty Tuscan Bean & Pasta Medley. Packed with wholesome ingredients like kidney beans, fresh herbs, and whole wheat pasta, this soup is not only delicious but also heart-healthy. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weeknight meal, this soup balances the robust taste of tomatoes and beans with the comforting texture of pasta, making it an ideal choice for families and friends. Serve it hot and watch it warm up your heart and soul.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 small, chopped (chopped)
garlic
1 clove, minced (minced)
crushed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (none)
fat-free chicken broth
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (none)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (undrained)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (none)
dried parsley
2 teaspoons (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
water
1/3 cup (none)
small whole wheat pasta
1/2 cup (dried (shells or broken noodles))
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the fat-free chicken broth and undrained kidney beans. Stir in the sugar, 1/3 cup of water, and season with dried basil, dried parsley, and pepper.
4
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Carefully stir in the dried whole wheat pasta, cover the pot, and continue to simmer for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
30
Carbs
10
Protein
7.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tuscan Bean & Pasta Medley?
It is a flavorful Italian-inspired soup made with kidney beans, whole wheat pasta, crushed tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving of this soup contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this Tuscan bean soup high in fiber?
Yes, it is high in fiber, providing 7.5 grams per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
This recipe contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
There are 10 grams of protein in each serving of the soup.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Should I drain the kidney beans before adding them?
No, the recipe specifically calls for one 15-ounce can of undrained kidney beans.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Small whole wheat pasta, such as shells or broken noodles, is recommended.
How long does the pasta need to cook in the soup?
The pasta should simmer in the covered pot for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it is tender.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
Two tablespoons of sugar are added to balance the robust acidity of the crushed tomatoes.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
While the recipe lists fat-free chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
How should the onion and garlic be prepared?
You should use one small onion that is chopped and one clove of garlic that is minced.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
How long should I saute the onions and garlic?
Saute them for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
How much water is added to the soup mixture?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of water added along with the broth and tomatoes.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried basil and 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
What is the simmering time before adding the pasta?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes before adding the pasta.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients required for this Hearty Tuscan Bean & Pasta Medley.
Is this dish considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is described as heart-healthy due to its wholesome ingredients and balance of nutrients.
How should the soup be served?
Serve it hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
What size of chicken broth cans are needed?
You will need two 14.5-ounce cans of fat-free chicken broth.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, although the recipe calls for dried herbs, fresh herbs can be used; typically, you would use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it ideal for weeknight meals or beginner cooks.
What is the heat setting for cooking the pasta?
Once the pasta is added, continue to simmer the soup on low heat.
Do I need to stir the soup while it simmers with the pasta?
Yes, stir occasionally while the pasta is simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
Is this recipe appropriate for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it is tagged as Mediterranean and features key components like olive oil, beans, and herbs.
What is the preparation for the kidney beans?
The beans are used straight from the can, undrained.
How much pepper is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the primary oil used for cooking?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sauteing.