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Home » Recipes » Italian

Pasta e Fagioli

Published: Nov 29, 2021 · Modified: Mar 19, 2024 by Maxine Dubois · This post may contain affiliate links 1 Comment

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This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is made with onion, garlic, cannellini beans, diced tomato, ditalini pasta, red pepper flakes and simmered to perfection.

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is made with onion, garlic, cannellini beans, tomato, ditalini, red pepper flakes and simmered to perfection.

If you are craving something hearty, healthy and warm during this season, this pasta fagioli is the answer. It is full of flavor and only takes 20 minutes to make. This soup is traditionally made with dried beans, but I opted using canned beans to make my life easier. Not only are the beans cooked perfectly, but the pasta is a perfect al dente. This is a perfect one pot vegetarian dinner and is super family friendly. This recipe is perfect for the fall and the winter and will fulfill all your cravings.

If you love this Pasta e Fagioli, feel free to try my Crab Marinara with Linguini and my Lobster Bucatini.

Jump to:
  • What is Pasta Fagioli Soup?
  • Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Ingredients
  • How to make Pasta Fagioli Soup
  • What to serve with Pasta Fagioli Soup
  • Substitutions
  • Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Variations
  • Equipment
  • How to store Pasta Fagioli Soup
  • Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Top tips
  • Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
  • Food safety

What is Pasta Fagioli Soup?

Pasta Fagioli Soup, also known as Pasta e Fagioli or Pasta Fazool, is a classic Italian soup that originated in the Campania and Lazio regions of Italy. It is a hearty and flavorful soup made with simple ingredients, such as pasta, beans, vegetables, and often meat or sausage. The name "Pasta Fagioli" translates to "pasta and beans" in Italian, which are the main components of the dish.

The basic ingredients of Pasta Fagioli Soup typically include small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells), cannellini beans (or other white beans), tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and broth (such as chicken or vegetable broth). Some variations of the soup may also include ground beef, sausage, pancetta, or bacon for added flavor and richness.

Pasta Fagioli Soup is known for its thick and hearty consistency, with the pasta and beans providing a satisfying texture. The soup is often seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, which give it a robust and savory flavor. It is typically served hot and may be garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comfort food that is perfect for colder weather or when you're craving a warming and filling meal. It is often served as a main course with some crusty bread or as a first course in an Italian meal. It's a versatile soup that can be easily customized to suit your preferences, and it's loved by many for its delicious taste and heartiness.

Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Vegetable broth
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Ditalini pasta
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Cannellini beans
  • Red pepper flakes

See recipe card for Pasta e Fagioli quantities.

How to make Pasta Fagioli Soup

Start by adding olive oil and chopped onion in a large deep pan or deep pot on medium high heat. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. 

Start by adding olive oil and chopped onion in a large deep pan or deep pot on medium high heat. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. 

Add both the beans, diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper. Stir for two minutes then add the chicken broth.

Add both the beans, diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper. Stir for two minutes then add the chicken broth.

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is made with onion, garlic, cannellini beans, tomato, ditalini, red pepper flakes and simmered to perfection.

Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium low. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes before adding the pasta.

Add the pasta and cover. On low heat, cook the pasta for 10 minutes. The soup is ready when the pasta is al dente! Enjoy this Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.

Add the pasta and cover. On low heat, cook the pasta for 10 minutes. The soup is ready when the pasta is al dente!

What to serve with Pasta Fagioli Soup

  • Garlic Bread: A classic side to serve with any Italian-inspired soup or pasta dish, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup or enjoying alongside it. You can make it easily by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices of bread and toasting them in the oven or on a stovetop skillet.
  • Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can be a great complement to the richness of Pasta Fagioli Soup. You can make a simple green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, or even a bean salad with cannellini beans, red onion, and a lemony dressing.
  • Antipasto Platter: An antipasto platter can be a delicious and satisfying side dish to serve with Pasta Fagioli Soup. You can arrange an assortment of cured meats, olives, marinated vegetables, cheeses, and crackers or breadsticks for a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer-style spread.
  • Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a popular Italian appetizer that can also make a great side dish for Pasta Fagioli Soup. It typically consists of grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic, topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and sometimes mozzarella cheese. It's a fresh and flavorful addition to serve alongside the soup.

Substitutions

Chicken broth: If you want to make this vegetarian, you can opt to using vegetable broth. It is just as healthy and hearty.

Onion: Traditionally this soup uses yellow onion, but you can opt to using white or even red onion.

Garlic: For best results, use fresh garlic.

Ditalini Pasta: Pasta Fagioli traditionally uses ditalini pasta, although I have used orzo in the past and it is just as delicious.

Cannellini beans: Cannellini beans are perfect for this recipe. If you would like to mix and match, use one can of cannellini and one can of red kidney beans.

Diced tomatoes: I used diced tomatoes from the can instead of fresh tomatoes.

Red pepper flakes: The red pepper flakes are totally optional, but for those who need a spicy kick, it complements the soup perfectly.

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is made with onion, garlic, cannellini beans, tomato, ditalini, red pepper flakes and simmered to perfection.

Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Variations

  • Meaty Pasta Fagioli: Add ground beef, Italian sausage, pancetta, or bacon to the soup for a meatier version. Brown the meat before adding the vegetables and other ingredients to the pot, and let it cook through before serving.
  • Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli: Make Pasta Fagioli in a slow cooker for a convenient and hands-off cooking experience. Simply sauté the onions, carrots, and celery on the stovetop, then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker along with the pasta and beans. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the flavors meld together.
  • Creamy Pasta Fagioli: Add a creamy twist to the soup by stirring in some heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk for a richer and creamier texture. This variation adds a lusciousness to the soup and creates a comforting bowl of goodness.
  • Spicy Pasta Fagioli: Add some heat to the soup by using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapenos for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of spice to your liking to add some warmth and depth to the soup.
  • Tomato-based Pasta Fagioli: Use crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato puree in addition to or instead of diced tomatoes for a more pronounced tomato flavor. This variation adds a tangy sweetness to the soup and enhances the overall taste.
  • Pesto Pasta Fagioli: Stir in some pesto into the soup for a burst of herbaceous flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto to add a fresh and aromatic twist to the traditional Pasta Fagioli.

Check out this Italian Mahi Mahi.

Equipment

  • Soup pot or Dutch oven: A sturdy soup pot or Dutch oven with a lid is essential for cooking the soup. Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and has enough room for the soup to simmer.
  • Cutting board and knife: You'll need a cutting board and a sharp knife to chop and prep the vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, for the soup.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is handy for stirring the soup and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent any ingredients from sticking or burning.
  • Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the hot soup into bowls or individual serving dishes.
  • Can opener: If you're using canned beans or tomatoes, a can opener will be needed to open the cans.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for measuring the ingredients, such as broth, pasta, and spices, accurately.
  • Stove or Cooktop: A stovetop or cooktop is required for cooking the soup over a medium heat or as per the recipe instructions.
This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is made with onion, garlic, cannellini beans, tomato, ditalini, red pepper flakes and simmered to perfection.

How to store Pasta Fagioli Soup

  • Allow the soup to cool: Let the Pasta Fagioli Soup cool to room temperature before storing it. Avoid putting hot soup directly into the refrigerator, as it can raise the temperature inside and potentially spoil other foods.
  • Use airtight containers: Transfer the cooled Pasta Fagioli Soup to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for storing soup, as they help to keep the soup fresh and prevent any leaks or spills in the refrigerator.
  • Label and date the containers: Label the containers with the name of the soup and the date of storage. This will help you identify the soup easily and keep track of its freshness.
  • Store in the refrigerator: Place the containers of Pasta Fagioli Soup in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the temperature in your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to keep the soup safe to consume.
  • Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store Pasta Fagioli Soup for a longer period, you can freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, and leave some room for expansion as the soup freezes and expands. Label and date the containers or bags, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheat properly: To reheat the stored Pasta Fagioli Soup, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated to your desired temperature.

Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Top tips

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Since Pasta Fagioli Soup is a simple dish with minimal ingredients, it's important to use high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of the soup. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality pasta, and canned beans or tomatoes that you trust.
  • Sauté the vegetables: Sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil or butter before adding the broth and other ingredients can help to develop their flavors and add depth to the soup.
  • Add herbs and spices: Pasta Fagioli Soup is traditionally flavored with Italian herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Add these herbs and spices to the soup while it simmers to infuse it with rich flavors.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: If you're adding pasta to the soup, be careful not to overcook it. Cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente, and then add it to the soup just before serving. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy in the soup.
  • Customize to your taste: Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning, add more or less vegetables, beans, or pasta, and even add protein like cooked ground beef, sausage, or diced chicken to make it heartier.
  • Use broth for flavor: Using a good-quality vegetable or chicken broth can add depth and richness to the soup. If you don't have broth on hand, you can use water, but the flavor may not be as robust.
  • Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer time can help to develop the flavors and create a more flavorful and rich soup. Just be sure to keep an eye on the liquid levels and add more broth or water if needed to prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
  • Garnish before serving: Just before serving, consider garnishing the Pasta Fagioli Soup with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Store and reheat properly: If you have leftovers, store the soup properly as mentioned in the previous answer, and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to maintain its flavors and texture.
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Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Maxine Dubois
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

This Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is made with onion, garlic, cannellini beans, diced tomato, ditalini pasta, red pepper flakes and simmered to perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic
  • 1 cup (12 oz) of ditalini pasta
  • 1 can (12 oz) of diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (12 oz) of cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Start by adding olive oil and chopped onion in a large deep pan or deep pot on medium high heat. 
  2. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.  
  3. Add both the beans, diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper. Stir for two minutes then add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium low. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes before adding the pasta. 
  4. Add the pasta and cover. On low heat, cook the pasta for 10 minutes. The soup is ready when the pasta is al dente!

Notes

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Since Pasta Fagioli Soup is a simple dish with minimal ingredients, it's important to use high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of the soup. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality pasta, and canned beans or tomatoes that you trust.
  • Sauté the vegetables: Sautéing the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil or butter before adding the broth and other ingredients can help to develop their flavors and add depth to the soup.
  • Add herbs and spices: Pasta Fagioli Soup is traditionally flavored with Italian herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Add these herbs and spices to the soup while it simmers to infuse it with rich flavors.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: If you're adding pasta to the soup, be careful not to overcook it. Cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente, and then add it to the soup just before serving. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy in the soup.
  • Customize to your taste: Pasta Fagioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning, add more or less vegetables, beans, or pasta, and even add protein like cooked ground beef, sausage, or diced chicken to make it heartier.
  • Use broth for flavor: Using a good-quality vegetable or chicken broth can add depth and richness to the soup. If you don't have broth on hand, you can use water, but the flavor may not be as robust.
  • Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer time can help to develop the flavors and create a more flavorful and rich soup. Just be sure to keep an eye on the liquid levels and add more broth or water if needed to prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
  • Garnish before serving: Just before serving, consider garnishing the Pasta Fagioli Soup with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Store and reheat properly: If you have leftovers, store the soup properly as mentioned in the previous answer, and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to maintain its flavors and texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 156.5
  • Sugar: 7.3 g
  • Sodium: 750.6 mg
  • Fat: 0.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31.6 g
  • Fiber: 6.6 g
  • Protein: 8.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 9.4 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cilantro.parsley on Instagram and hashtag it #cilantroparsley

Food safety

  • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Patricia G

    December 31, 2021 at 7:35 pm

    I have been wanting to make more vegan recipes and this was such a hit. Thanks.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Maxine!

I am a Mexican American recipe creator & food blogger dedicated to cultivating the cooking experience. I love Latin recipes and inspiring you to cook them by incorporating videos to simplify and share my recipes.  My favorite cuisines are Mexican and Italian, which is why I came up with the name Cilantro Parsley!

You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook & Youtube

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