Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian dish that’s known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This comforting soup features tender cannellini beans, savory ditalini pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day, and it’s also quick and easy to make. This easy Pasta Fagioli recipe is a must-try for any lover of Italian cuisine.
Whether you’re in the mood for a filling lunch or a satisfying dinner, Pasta Fagioli checks all the boxes. The combination of beans and pasta provides both comfort and nutrition, while the fragrant seasonings bring an aromatic depth to the dish. Served with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a side of crusty bread, this soup will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Plus, it’s a versatile dish—customize it to your tastes by adding more vegetables or experimenting with different pasta shapes. Whether you keep it simple or get creative, this Pasta Fagioli will always deliver a delicious, soul-soothing experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pasta Fagioli recipe is everything you need in a comfort meal: hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious soup that is both filling and wholesome. The ditalini pasta and cannellini beans complement each other perfectly, while the herbs and tomato broth create a deliciously savory base. It’s a one-pot dish that can be made in just under an hour, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients Overview
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need basic pantry staples like olive oil, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and dried herbs. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add texture and flavor to the dish, while cannellini beans bring creaminess and substance. Ditalini pasta is a perfect choice for this soup, as its small size makes it easy to enjoy in every spoonful. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 2: Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, parsley, basil, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: While the soup simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the soup, followed by the cooked pasta. Stir and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
Step 6: Serve the soup hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- For an extra rich flavor, you can sauté the garlic with a little bit of dried chili flakes for a subtle heat.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the pasta and beans.
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn’t get mushy when added to the soup.
Variations to Try
- Swap the ditalini pasta for another small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or orzo.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan cheese.
- Add extra vegetables such as zucchini or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Pasta Fagioli tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to add the pasta fresh when reheating, as it can absorb too much liquid if left in the soup. - Can I freeze this soup?
You can freeze Pasta Fagioli, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. Cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup once reheated. - Can I use another type of bean?
Yes, you can substitute the cannellini beans with other beans such as navy beans or Great Northern beans, depending on your preference. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether for a bean-based soup. - How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, or toss in some diced jalapeños for extra spice.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. To reheat, simply heat over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
This Easy Pasta Fagioli is the perfect recipe for a cozy, comforting meal. With its hearty beans, flavorful broth, and tender pasta, it’s sure to warm you up on even the coldest days. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that combines pantry staples and fresh vegetables to create something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, it’s a recipe that never disappoints.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients. For more comforting recipes like this one, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest at Wendy Recipes. I’d love to share more of my kitchen creations with you!
