Pasta e Fagioli Classic

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

This Italian delight features tender pasta simmered with creamy cannellini and borlotti beans in a savory tomato and herb broth. Aromatic sautéed vegetables, including onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, build a flavorful base. The soup is finished with fresh parsley and optionally topped with Parmesan and olive oil for richness. Perfect for a nourishing, vegetarian meal any season, it balances textures and earthy flavors harmoniously in every spoonful.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:48:00 GMT
Pasta e Fagioli Soup: steaming bowl filled with rustic pasta, beans, and fresh parsley garnish. Pin It
Pasta e Fagioli Soup: steaming bowl filled with rustic pasta, beans, and fresh parsley garnish. | lushkettle.com

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.
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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.

Golden broth of Pasta e Fagioli Soup, simmered with carrots and the aroma of Italian herbs. Pin It
Golden broth of Pasta e Fagioli Soup, simmered with carrots and the aroma of Italian herbs. | lushkettle.com

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.

Pasta e Fagioli Classic

Hearty Italian dish combining tender pasta, creamy beans, and a rich tomato broth for warming comfort.

Time to Prep
15 mins
Time to Cook
35 mins
Full Prep Time
50 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition Italian

Portion 4 Serving Size

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You Need

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 medium carrots, diced
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 3 garlic cloves, minced

Beans and Pasta

01 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 can (15 oz) borlotti or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 3/4 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)

Broth and Tomato

01 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
02 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

01 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
02 Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
03 Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Broth and Seasonings: Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 04

Incorporate Beans: Stir in drained cannellini and borlotti beans. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 05

Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If soup is too thick, add additional broth or water to desired consistency.

Step 07

Finish Soup: Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Optionally top with grated Parmesan and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains gluten from pasta; substitute gluten-free pasta if necessary.
  • Contains dairy if Parmesan is used; omit or replace to keep dairy free.
  • Check beans and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 13 g