The Heartwarming Pasta e Fagioli Recipe You’ll Love Tonight

Comfort weaves its magic through this hearty pasta e fagioli that connects generations of Italian cooking traditions.

Rustic ingredients dance together in a symphony of flavors waiting to warm your soul.

Beans and pasta create a delightful embrace of rustic simplicity that feels like a hug from your favorite grandmother.

Rich tomato broth mingles with tender legumes, promising a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Fragrant herbs whisper stories of countryside kitchens where such recipes have simmered for centuries.

Each spoonful carries the essence of slow-cooked love and culinary heritage.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this classic Italian comfort classic that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab a bowl and let the magic begin.

What Makes Pasta e Fagioli a Hearty Classic

Savor Quick Comfort: Pasta e Fagioli’s Kitchen Magic

• Speed Meets Satisfaction: Whip up this hearty Italian soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is short and hunger is high.
• Pantry Warrior Friendly: Create a delicious meal using simple, affordable ingredients like canned beans, tomatoes, and pasta that are likely already in your kitchen.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: A one-pot wonder that satisfies all ages, offering protein-packed beans and tender pasta in a flavorful broth that brings everyone together around the table.
• Customization Champion: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pasta types, using different beans, or adding extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Pasta e Fagioli Ingredient List

• Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup with a rich flavor foundation.
• Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal note and classic Italian soup texture.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, robust flavor that deepens the overall taste profile.

• Cannellini Beans: Classic Italian white beans that offer creamy texture and protein.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and traditional Italian character.

• Olive Oil: High-quality Italian base for sautéing vegetables with smooth flavor.
• Canned Tomatoes: Provides acidic balance and rich, deep tomato essence.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal complexity to the overall dish.
• Thyme: Introduces a gentle, earthy herbaceous note.
• Rosemary: Contributes a pine-like, aromatic flavor typical in Italian cooking.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the soup.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle spiciness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright, green garnish and light flavor.
• Pasta: Traditional small pasta that absorbs soup flavors and adds texture.

Pasta e Fagioli Recipe Walkthrough

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a hefty pot over medium warmth.

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sizzle and stir these veggies until they soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around for another minute to release its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Build the Broth Foundation

Tumble canned tomatoes into the pot, crushing them gently with your spoon.

• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything bubble together gently, creating a symphony of flavors for roughly 15 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Beans and Pasta

Fold in your beans and pasta.

Allow the mixture to simmer softly, cooking the pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture and the beans are thoroughly warmed, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Customize Your Soup

Check the consistency.

If it seems too thick, splash in additional broth or water.

For extra creaminess, mash a portion of beans and stir them back into the pot.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Remove bay leaf and herb sprigs.

Season to taste.

Ladle into bowls, shower with fresh parsley, and crown with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pasta e Fagioli Cooking Ideas

• Caramelize onions, carrots, and celery slowly to develop deeper, richer taste before adding other ingredients.
• Swap cannellini beans with kidney, great northern, or chickpeas for different textures and nutritional profiles.
• Cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente texture.
• Use homemade vegetable or chicken stock instead of store-bought for more complex, authentic flavor layers.
• Prepare soup base in advance and add pasta just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy pasta.

Pasta e Fagioli Storage for Comfort on Repeat

• Store leftover pasta e fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing pasta as it can become mushy when thawed.
• Gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warm.
• Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Stop when the soup is steaming hot throughout.

Sides for Pasta e Fagioli

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the hearty tomato and bean flavors, enhancing the soup's rich profile.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side with warm, toasted Italian bread rubbed with fresh garlic and drizzled with olive oil, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Match Crisp Antipasto Salad: Prepare a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, olives, pepperoncini, and salami to balance the soup's heartiness and add refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Herb Gremolata: Sprinkle a zesty herb mixture of chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic on top to brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic dimension.

Pasta e Fagioli with Simple Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. Use certified gluten-free broth to ensure dietary compatibility for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap meat-based broth with vegetable broth. Add extra protein by incorporating diced tofu or plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use fewer beans and increase vegetable content to reduce overall carbohydrate count while maintaining nutritional value.
• Vegan Modification: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative. Use plant-based broth and ensure all ingredients are completely animal product-free for a fully vegan-friendly meal.

FAQs

• What are the main ingredients in Pasta e Fagioli?

The main ingredients include pasta, beans (typically cannellini or borlotti), vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, tomatoes, broth, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

Yes, Pasta e Fagioli is nutritious. It’s packed with protein from beans, vitamins from vegetables, and provides a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates and fiber.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. The beans provide excellent protein, making it a complete vegetarian meal.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni are traditional choices. These smaller pasta shapes blend perfectly with the beans and broth, creating a harmonious texture.

Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pasta e fagioli brings comfort and tradition straight from Italian kitchens, delivering rustic warmth in each spoonful. Savory beans, tender pasta, and rich broth combine to create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed or diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by warming olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat. Carefully introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 6-8 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and gently sauté until its fragrant notes permeate the vegetable medley, creating a robust base for the upcoming culinary journey.
3. Pour canned tomatoes into the pot, delicately breaking them down to create a rustic texture. Stream in broth, then enhance the liquid with bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and cracked black pepper.
4. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 15 minutes, permitting the herbs and seasonings to weave their complex flavors throughout the developing soup.
5. Introduce kidney beans and selected pasta, stirring carefully to integrate all components. Maintain a gentle simmer, cooking until pasta reaches that perfect al dente consistency and beans are thoroughly warmed.
6. Monitor the soup’s consistency, adding additional broth if the mixture appears too dense. For a luxuriously creamy texture, partially mash some beans and fold them back into the pot.
7. Taste and calibrate seasonings, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors. Extract bay leaf and any whole herb sprigs that remain.
8. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, transforming a humble dish into a comforting culinary experience.

Notes

• Swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or lentil pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and increase protein content.
• Cut cooking time by using pre-cooked or canned beans, ensuring they’re drained and rinsed thoroughly to reduce sodium levels.
• Create a richer broth by adding a Parmesan cheese rind during simmering, which infuses deeper umami flavors without extra effort.
• Transform the recipe into a vegetarian powerhouse by using vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg