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
Scale
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.
