If you have ever craved a cozy, comforting dish that brings together the best of hearty beans, tender pasta, and vibrant Italian flavors all in one bowl, this Pasta Fagioli Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It is a luscious blend of simple pantry staples that transforms into a soul-soothing soup, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a wholesome meal that tastes like a warm hug. This recipe balances bright tomatoes with flavorful herbs and satisfying textures, creating a classic Italian delight that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step toward making this soul-warming dish. Each ingredient in the Pasta Fagioli Recipe plays a vital role, from the aromatic vegetables that form the base to the creamy beans and tender pasta that bring heartiness and texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory foundation to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of aromatic flavor for depth.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a little texture contrast.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Imparts a fresh, slightly peppery crunch to the base.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, warm Italian herb essence.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a delicate herbaceous note that lifts the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the color.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and juicy texture.
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, savory liquid base for the soup.
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Offers creamy texture and nutrition.
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty beans that complement the cannellini beautifully.
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow): The tender pasta pieces soak up the broth and make every spoonful satisfying.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): For a savory, cheesy finish that melts into the hot soup.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Allow these to soften slowly for around 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds a fragrant, flavorful foundation, unlocking the natural sweetness and depth of the vegetables that will beautifully enhance the soup.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Tomato Paste
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in dried oregano, thyme, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Follow this with the tomato paste, cooking everything together for a couple of minutes until the paste deepens in color. This process intensifies the tomato flavor and lets the herbs release their essential oils into the mixture.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base
Now it’s time to pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the broth of your choice—vegetable for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for more depth. Add both the cannellini and red kidney beans. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the flavors mingle for 10 to 15 minutes, creating a rich and hearty broth that’s absolutely bursting with goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
After the soup has developed its flavor, stir the small pasta pieces into the pot. Continue simmering until the pasta reaches the perfect al dente texture, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember this timing carefully—overcooked pasta can turn mushy, so keep a watchful eye to preserve that lovely bite.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Once the pasta is just right, season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. This brightens the final dish and ties all the flavors together beautifully. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy finish that elevates every spoonful.
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Garnishes
While the Parmesan cheese topping is a traditional favorite, don’t hesitate to get creative—fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil, or a few crunchy croutons can add exciting texture and bursts of freshness. These simple touches make the experience all the more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pasta Fagioli pairs wonderfully with crusty bread that can soak up the flavorful broth. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint, while roasted vegetables create an easy, wholesome accompaniment. These sides create a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Pasta Fagioli in rustic bowls enhances the cozy, home-cooked feel of this classic meal. For a casual gathering, place small bowls alongside a communal pot so everyone can help themselves. You might also sprinkle extra herbs or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for an attractive finish that invites first bites eagerly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Pasta Fagioli Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from dissipating. You’ll find the soup thickens as it sits, absorbing the wonderful tastes even more deeply.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a fantastic option. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep candidate for busy days. Just remember to leave space for expansion and avoid freezing the soup with pasta to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to bring the flavors back to life. The fresh parsley can be stirred in just before serving to retain its bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Pasta Fagioli Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip any meat additions. This recipe’s beans and veggies create a hearty, satisfying vegetarian meal that is rich in flavor and nutrients.
What type of pasta is best for Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best because they blend perfectly with the beans and broth, allowing each spoonful to have a balanced mix of pasta and soup.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, for a heartier version, cooked ground beef, pancetta, or Italian sausage can be stirred in early during the sauté stage. This enriches the broth and adds satisfying meaty flavor.
Why is my Pasta Fagioli too thick after storing?
The pasta absorbs liquid as the soup sits in the refrigerator, causing it to thicken. Simply add a little broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.
Is Pasta Fagioli gluten-free friendly?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta varieties. Just be sure to check your broth and canned tomatoes are gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a bowl of Pasta Fagioli Recipe that comforts like a warm embrace and nourishes with every bite. This timeless Italian soup is easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a make-ahead dish to savor later, you really can’t go wrong with this recipe. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the delicious world of Pasta Fagioli—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pasta Fagioli is a hearty and comforting Italian soup made with beans, small pasta, vegetables, and herbs simmered together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect as a wholesome lunch or dinner, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with meat or kept vegetarian.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Tomato Paste: Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly, intensifying its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, broth (vegetable or chicken), cannellini beans, and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta to the pot and continue to simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Fagioli thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it.
- For extra richness and depth of flavor, add a Parmesan rind during simmering and remove before serving.
- To make the soup heartier, stir in cooked ground beef or pancetta during the cooking process.
