Pin It A classic Italian soup featuring tender pasta, creamy beans, and a savory tomato broth, perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.
I first tried Pasta e Fagioli one chilly autumn evening, and its warm flavors instantly became a family favorite at our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing vegetables
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cannellini beans: 1 can (15 oz / 400 g), drained and rinsed
- Borlotti or kidney beans: 1 can (15 oz / 400 g), drained and rinsed
- Small pasta: 3/4 cup (120 g), such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz / 400 g)
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter), low-sodium
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Chili flakes (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan (optional): For serving
- Extra virgin olive oil: For drizzling
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 6 & 7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the broth:
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Add beans:
- Stir in cannellini and borlotti beans. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Cook pasta:
- Add pasta and cook per package instructions until al dente, usually 8 & 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust consistency:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. If soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or water.
- Finish:
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve hot.
Pin It We love gathering together for a bowl after a busy day, always laughing as everyone sprinkles their own cheese and extra olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with crusty bread or a green salad for a satisfying meal. This soup is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Make It Vegan
Skip the Parmesan or use plant-based cheese to keep the soup vegan. The flavors remain rich and delicious for all diets.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pasta may absorb broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Pin It Pasta e Fagioli warms up any occasion and pairs perfectly with simple sides. Savor every spoonful and enjoy sharing with loved ones.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni hold textures well and cook evenly without becoming mushy.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → How can I adjust the soup thickness?
Add a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating or if the soup thickens too much over time.
- → Are the beans pre-cooked or raw?
Canned beans are used here; they are drained and rinsed before adding to speed cooking and enhance flavor blending.
- → Can I enhance the flavor further?
Adding a Parmesan rind while simmering enriches depth; remember to remove it before serving.
- → What herbs complement this dish?
Dried oregano and thyme infuse an earthy aroma, with optional chili flakes offering a gentle heat balance.