This comforting White Bean and Angel Hair Pasta Soup is a rustic Italian-inspired dish that balances earthy, savory flavors with tender textures. Great Northern beans provide a creamy base, while angel hair pasta adds a delicate bite. Simmered with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a ham hock for depth, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying main course. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress guests. Customize with extra Parmesan or a splash of red wine for added richness.
White Bean & Angel Hair Pasta Soup
Description
This comforting White Bean and Angel Hair Pasta Soup is a rustic Italian-inspired dish that balances earthy, savory flavors with tender textures. Great Northern beans provide a creamy base, while angel hair pasta adds a delicate bite. Simmered with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a ham hock for depth, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying main course. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress guests. Customize with extra Parmesan or a splash of red wine for added richness.Ingredients
Directions
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Rinse 1 1/2 cups Great Northern beans and place in a large Dutch oven.
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Cover beans with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat and boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Cover and let beans stand for 1 hour.
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Drain beans in a colander, discarding the soaking water.
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In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
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Add 1 chopped onion and 2 chopped garlic cloves, cooking until softened (5-6 minutes).
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Return beans to the pot, adding 7 cups chicken bouillon, 1 cup water, 1 ham hock, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, a dash of cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes until beans are tender.
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Add 2 1/4 cups angel hair pasta and 1 can tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
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Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente.
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Remove ham hock, shred meat if desired, and return to pot.
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Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 27.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 5.4mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 6.3g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2.4g10%
- Sugars 3.0g
- Protein 1.6g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegan version, substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable broth and omit the ham hock. Add nutritional yeast or miso paste for umami depth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed as pasta absorbs liquid.
You can substitute Great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; add it toward the end of cooking to prevent mushiness. If making ahead, cook pasta separately and stir in just before serving.
For a richer flavor, sauté mushrooms or add a splash of white wine after cooking the onions and garlic.
