Pasta Fagioli: 40 Min Hearty Italian Hug

Name: Pasta Fagioli: 40 Min Hearty Italian Hug
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices); 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni); 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

by basmer

21 de October de 2025

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Pasta Fagioli has been a comforting staple in my kitchen for years, a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I first tasted this Italian classic at a tiny trattoria in Rome, and the rich, savory broth filled with tender beans and perfectly cooked pasta instantly won me over. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a taste of tradition and home. Making an authentic pasta fagioli recipe at home brings back those wonderful memories, filling my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of simmering vegetables and herbs. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that I’m so excited to share with you. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Fagioli

This Pasta Fagioli is more than just a soup; it’s a culinary hug! Here’s why it’s a winner:

Incredible Flavor: A rich, savory broth packed with tender beans and pasta that’s simply delicious.
Quick to Make: This easy pasta fagioli recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with fiber from beans and vitamins from vegetables, it’s a healthy choice.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive pantry staples to create a satisfying meal.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love this comforting and flavorful soup.
Hearty & Satisfying: This hearty pasta fagioli will keep you full and content.
Authentic Taste: Captures the traditional essence of Italian comfort food.

Ingredients for an Authentic Pasta Fagioli

Gathering these simple pasta e fagioli ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting Italian classic. The quality of your ingredients really shines through in this dish, so I always opt for fresh whenever possible. The olive oil forms the flavor base, while the aromatics like onion and garlic build depth. Don’t skip the herbs; they’re essential for that authentic Italian taste. Using canned beans is a fantastic shortcut, making this recipe a truly accessible weeknight meal. The small pasta absorbs all that delicious broth, creating a wonderfully satisfying soup.

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
1 medium onion, chopped – the flavor foundation
2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a pungent kick
2 medium carrots, diced – for sweetness and texture
2 celery stalks, diced – adds savory notes
1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic Italian herb
1 teaspoon dried thyme – earthy and aromatic
1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of spice
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth – the soup’s liquid base
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – the star of the show!
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices) – adds acidity and body
1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni) – for that signature pasta and beans texture
1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional) – for an extra boost of greens
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) – brightens the flavors
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional) – adds freshness
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) – for a salty finish

How to Make This Easy Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Let’s get started on this comforting bowl of Italian goodness! Learning how to make pasta fagioli is simpler than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This recipe is designed for ease, so don’t worry if you’re new to making soup.

Step 1: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté these aromatics for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Toss in the 2 medium carrots, diced, and 2 celery stalks, diced. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until these vegetables start to soften. This step builds a wonderful flavor base for your soup.
Step 3: Stir in the dried herbs and seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let them toast for about 30 seconds until their aromas are released – it makes a difference!
Step 4: Pour in the 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, followed by the 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, and the 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices). Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Once simmering, add the 1 cup small pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. This is where your pasta and beans soup really starts to come together.
Step 6: If you’re adding greens, stir in the 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped, during the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time. You want them to wilt but still retain a bit of their vibrant color and texture.
Step 7: For a touch of brightness, stir in the 1 tablespoon lemon juice if you’re using it. This optional step really wakes up the flavors.
Step 8: Ladle your delicious, homemade pasta fagioli soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping!

Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Fagioli

These little tricks will elevate your pasta and beans soup from good to absolutely spectacular. Trust me, I’ve learned a few things along the way that make all the difference in creating a truly memorable bowl.

Don’t be afraid to use good quality broth; it’s the backbone of your soup’s flavor.
Consider mashing about half of the cannellini beans against the side of the pot before adding the liquid; this thickens the soup naturally.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end! Salt and pepper needs can vary based on your broth and beans.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers (remove before serving).

What’s the secret to perfect pasta fagioli?

The magic is in the balance of flavors and textures. A good soffritto (sautéed onion, carrot, celery) is crucial. Mashing some beans helps create a wonderfully thick, rich broth for this classic pasta fagioli.

Can I make pasta e fagioli ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Italian pasta and bean soup is even better the next day. Cook the soup completely, but undercook the pasta by a minute or two. Store the soup and pasta separately, or add the pasta just before reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian pasta and bean soup?

Overcooking the pasta is a big one – it gets mushy. Also, using bland broth or not seasoning enough can lead to a lackluster soup. Always taste and adjust your salt and pepper before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Your Hearty Pasta Fagioli

Serving up this delicious hearty pasta fagioli is pure joy, and it pairs beautifully with simple sides that let its flavors shine. A true Italian bean soup pasta deserves equally comforting accompaniments.

Crusty Bread: My absolute favorite way to enjoy this soup is with a thick slice of rustic, crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. Think of a good sourdough or a ciabatta!
Simple Green Salad: For a lighter meal, a fresh, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. It balances the meal perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? A warm, buttery, garlicky baguette alongside your pasta and beans soup is pure comfort food heaven.

Nutrition Facts for Pasta Fagioli

This hearty soup is surprisingly nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this delicious pasta and beans soup. Remember, these are estimates and can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

Calories: 320
Fat: 8g
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 10g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Pasta Fagioli Soup

This comforting cannellini bean pasta soup is perfect for meal prep! Once your delicious pasta fagioli has cooled completely, portion it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it super convenient to have a warm bowl ready whenever a craving strikes!

If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Pack the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pasta fagioli, I recommend thawing it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps maintain the best texture.

To reheat, you can gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just be aware that the pasta might soften a bit more upon reheating, which is totally normal for this type of soup!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Fagioli

What is pasta fagioli?

Pasta fagioli, which literally translates to “pasta and beans” in Italian, is a hearty and rustic soup. It’s a classic of Italian cuisine, known for its comforting simplicity and delicious blend of tender beans, small pasta, and savory vegetables in a flavorful broth. Think of it as Italian comfort food in a bowl!

Is this an easy pasta fagioli recipe to make?

Absolutely! This is designed to be an easy pasta fagioli recipe that anyone can make. We use convenient canned beans and pantry staples, and the steps are straightforward. You’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of authentic Italian bean soup pasta in no time, even if you’re a beginner cook.

Can I add meat to this pasta and beans soup?

While this recipe is vegetarian, you can certainly add meat! Browning some Italian sausage (mild or hot) or pancetta at the beginning with the onions and garlic would add a wonderful depth of flavor. Just be sure to drain off excess fat before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

What kind of beans work best for pasta fagioli?

Cannellini beans are traditional and provide a creamy texture, but other white beans like Great Northern or even navy beans can work well. For a different twist on this Italian pasta and bean soup, you could also try using borlotti beans for a richer color and earthier flavor.

Variations of Pasta Fagioli You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, exploring variations can bring exciting new flavors and textures to your table. The beauty of this Italian bean soup pasta is its adaptability!

Heartier Meat Version: For a richer, more robust flavor, brown about half a pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy) or pancetta with the onions and garlic at the start. Drain any excess fat before adding the broth.
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs in Step 3. This is a simple way to transform your classic pasta fagioli into something with a bit more zing.
Creamier Texture: For a silkier broth, you can blend about 1 cup of the cooked soup (beans and liquid) and stir it back in. This creates a thicker, more velvety soup without adding cream.
Gluten-Free: Simply swap out the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free small pasta shapes. Ensure your broth is also certified gluten-free for a complete vegetarian pasta fagioli adaptation.