Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is the ultimate cozy Italian comfort dish, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This classic Italian pasta and bean soup—often called Pasta Fazool—combines tender ditalini pasta, creamy cannellini beans, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato broth for a satisfying, nourishing meal. It’s one of those fall soup recipes that feels both comforting and wholesome, ideal for anyone who loves Italian soup recipes or hearty crockpot soup recipes. Whether served with crusty bread, over rice, or as a standalone bowl, this Pasta Fagioli Soup brings warmth, flavor, and timeless Italian charm to your table.

Serving Versatility

Pasta Fagioli is wonderfully flexible. Serve it ladled over fluffy white rice for extra comfort, pair it with crusty Italian bread for dipping, or keep it simple with just a sprinkle of Parmesan. It also makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or can be enjoyed solo for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small elbow macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes, broth, and both types of beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust broth consistency by adding a bit more if desired.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 310 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in just over half an hour—perfect for weeknights.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple pantry staples that stretch beautifully.
• Big, cozy flavor: Savory tomato broth and tender pasta make every bite satisfying.
• Nutritional value: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from beans and vegetables.
• Customizability: Easily adaptable—swap beans, add sausage, or make it fully vegetarian.

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note

Pasta Fagioli, meaning “pasta and beans,” is a staple of rustic Italian cooking. Originally a humble peasant dish, it was designed to make the most of simple, inexpensive ingredients. Every region of Italy has its own twist—some versions are thicker, others brothier—but all celebrate the heartwarming comfort of home-style Italian soup.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for authentic flair.
2. Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full meal.
3. For a hearty twist, add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta.
4. Use small tortellini instead of ditalini for a comforting Italian tortellini soup variation.

Pro Tips for Success

• Sauté vegetables until tender before adding liquid to deepen flavor.
• Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Adjust consistency—thicker for a stew-like meal, or thinner with extra broth for a lighter soup.
• Always taste and season at the end; the beans can mellow the salt level.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months—just leave out the pasta and cook it fresh when reheating. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and preserve that silky texture.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta:
   Ditalini or small macaroni can easily turn mushy if left too long in the hot soup. Cook it just until al dente—or boil separately and add right before serving.
2. Skipping the Sauté Step:
   Don’t rush past the onion, carrot, and celery base. Sautéing these aromatics first builds the deep, savory flavor that makes this soup taste authentically Italian.
3. Adding Salt Too Early:
   If you salt before the beans and broth go in, you might end up with an overly salty soup. Wait until the end to adjust the seasoning.
4. Using Too Little Liquid:
   Pasta absorbs broth as it sits, so if you want a soupier texture, keep extra broth or water on hand to thin it out before serving or reheating.
5. Forgetting to Rest the Soup:
   Letting the soup sit for 10–15 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully and gives the beans and pasta time to soak up all that delicious tomato richness.

4 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Pasta Fagioli Soup in a crockpot?
Yes! Simply add all ingredients except the pasta to the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in cooked pasta just before serving to keep it from getting mushy.

2. What pasta works best for Pasta Fagioli?
Traditional ditalini pasta is ideal because its small size holds the broth perfectly. However, elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo can be great alternatives.

3. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip any cheese garnish or use a vegan Parmesan substitute for a fully plant-based version.

4. How do I thicken or thin the soup?
For a thicker texture, mash a few beans in the pot or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few minutes. To thin it, simply stir in more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Closing Paragraph

This Pasta Fagioli Soup is a bowl full of warmth, love, and Italian tradition made simple for your kitchen. It’s an easy, wholesome recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give it your own spin and share how you make it yours—your kitchen deserves a little Italian soul!

Final Thoughts

From my kitchen to yours, this Pasta Fagioli Soup always feels like coming home. It’s one of those recipes that fills your house with comfort and your heart with joy. So grab your favorite spoon, curl up, and savor every bite—you’ve earned it.