Pasta e Fagioli Soup

If you are looking for a hearty, comforting meal that warms you up from the inside out, this Pasta e Fagioli Soup is exactly what you need. This classic Italian dish combines tender pasta, creamy beans, and savory broth to create a bowl full of rich flavors and satisfying textures. It is quick, simple to prepare, and the perfect choice for cozy nights when you want something both nourishing and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: This soup delivers a perfect blend of warmth and hearty ingredients that makes it incredibly satisfying on chilly evenings.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: With pantry staples like cannellini beans, garlic, and small pasta, the recipe is easy but never bland.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s a fantastic option for busy nights when you want a wholesome meal fast.
• Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily add proteins, vegetables, or spice to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it a great candidate for leftovers and meal planning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Pasta e Fagioli Soup are straightforward but essential to achieve that authentic Italian flavor and comforting texture. Each component adds a unique note—from the creamy beans to the aromatic herbs and tender pasta—that combines to create a delicious, balanced dish.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a fruity, rich base and helps sauté the vegetables to deepen the soup’s flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that bring sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Carrots and Celery: Add subtle earthiness and texture to the soup.
• Cannellini Beans: The creamy white beans give protein and a luscious mouthfeel.
• Small Pasta (like ditalini or elbow): Cooks quickly and blends perfectly into the soup for a satisfying bite.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
• Tomato Paste: Adds subtle acidity and a rich umami layer without overwhelming the soup’s delicate flavors.
• Fresh Herbs (like rosemary and parsley): Brighten and enhance the overall flavor with fresh herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.

Variations for Pasta e Fagioli Soup

One of the best things about this Pasta e Fagioli Soup is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary restrictions, enhance nutrition, or simply keep things interesting with different flavors and textures.

• Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage, pancetta, or shredded chicken for a meatier soup.
• Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip any meat additions for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle heat.
• Different Beans: Try kidney beans or chickpeas instead of cannellini for a twist on texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free ditalini or small shell pasta to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Herbs

Stir in the tomato paste and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release their aroma and blend with the vegetables.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beans

Add vegetable or chicken broth along with drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once the soup is simmering, stir in your choice of small pasta. Cook according to package directions until tender but still firm to the bite, usually around 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs as desired. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a deeply satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Making Pasta e Fagioli Soup

• Use Homemade Broth: If possible, homemade broth adds a richer depth compared to store-bought versions.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add pasta towards the end to keep the texture perfect and avoid sogginess.
• Fresh Herbs Are Key: Using fresh rosemary and parsley brightens the flavor—you can always add dried if needed, but fresh is best.
• Drain Beans Well: Rinse to remove excess salt or starch from canned beans to keep the soup from becoming too thick.
• Adjust Thickness: Add extra broth if the soup gets too thick after resting or reheating for ideal consistency.

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a handful of fresh chopped parsley instantly elevate the soup’s presentation and add extra flavor layers.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping, or a fresh green salad to balance the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a comforting twist, ladle the soup over toasted polenta or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and a little chili oil. These simple additions bring texture and exciting flavors to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pasta e Fagioli Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin the soup back out if it thickened during storage or freezing.

FAQs

Can I make Pasta e Fagioli Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.

What pasta works best for Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they cook quickly and blend well with the soup’s creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but by using gluten-free pasta, you can easily make a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Simply use vegetable broth and skip any cheese or meat additions to keep the dish fully plant-based and just as comforting.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but soaking and cooking the beans beforehand is necessary. Soak overnight and cook until tender before adding to the soup during the simmering step.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly special about warming up with a bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in every spoonful and fits perfectly into busy evenings or relaxed weekends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its endless comforting flavors that bring cozy nights to life.

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