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Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian comfort dish combining tender beans, small pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory broth. This rich, hearty soup offers a soulful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for warm, cozy meals any time of year. Easily adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, it’s a simple one-pot recipe that satisfies and uplifts.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Pasta

  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Optional Garnishes

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra olive oil drizzle

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute to release their aroma.
  2. Build the broth: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and sauté briefly to deepen its flavor. Pour in 4 cups broth and add diced tomatoes if using. Bring mixture to a gentle boil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add beans and simmer: Drain and rinse canned beans. Add them to the pot, reduce heat, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Cook the pasta: Add small pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth or water if desired.
  5. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and, if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

  • Use canned beans to save time without losing flavor or texture.
  • Add the pasta towards the end to maintain perfect al dente texture; avoid overcooking.
  • Fresh rosemary adds a subtle earthiness; do not substitute with dried for best flavor.
  • Soup flavors improve after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
  • To balance acidity, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar if the tomato base tastes too sharp.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Fagioli, Italian soup, bean soup, pasta soup, hearty soup, comfort food, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan