Pasta e Fagioli

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Pasta e Fagioli is the kind of dish that comforts you from the inside out. Originally a peasant dish from Italy, it blends pasta and beans into a soup so hearty and flavorful, it transcends its humble roots. With every spoonful, you get the earthiness of the beans, the satisfaction of pasta, and the deep, savory broth that ties it all together.

Perfect for cold nights or cozy family dinners, this dish is both affordable and nourishing. Whether you’re an old-school Italian food lover or just looking for something warm and delicious to make with pantry staples, Pasta e Fagioli brings soul to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta e Fagioli

It’s rustic, robust, and incredibly simple to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a soup that feels like a warm hug. This one-pot wonder is also customizable, making it easy to adapt for vegetarian diets or to sneak in extra veggies. It stores well, tastes even better the next day, and is a complete meal all on its own.

What Kind of Beans Should I Use?

Cannellini beans are traditional, with their creamy texture and mild flavor. But if you only have great northern beans or even red kidney beans, don’t stress. The recipe is forgiving and flavorful enough to work with what you have. The key is to let the beans simmer and absorb all the rich, herby broth.

Ingredients for the Pasta e Fagioli

This dish is built around simple pantry staples. The magic comes from layering flavors as it cooks, so even the most basic ingredients shine.

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Cannellini beans
• Vegetable broth
• Ditalini pasta
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

How To Make the Pasta e Fagioli

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the veggies are tender and aromatic, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Add crushed tomatoes, beans, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let the soup cook for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue simmering until the pasta is tender. If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, stir in fresh parsley, and ladle the soup into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if you like. Serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Pasta e Fagioli

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. Serve it warm with a chunk of crusty bread or a simple side salad. The soup thickens as it cools, so when storing leftovers, keep extra broth on hand for reheating. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Pasta e Fagioli?

Crusty Garlic Bread

A must-have to soak up every bit of that rich broth.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery, lemon-dressed salad adds brightness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges and nutty flavor contrast beautifully with the soup.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil skewers offer a fresh, cold bite.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Savory and crisp, it complements the creamy beans.

Italian-Style Green Beans

Cooked with a bit of garlic and olive oil for a classic side.

Antipasto Platter

Include marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and cured meats for a Mediterranean touch.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this hearty Pasta e Fagioli, you might also enjoy these other warming soups from our kitchen:

• Try the Cajun Potato Soup for something creamy with a spicy twist.
• Enjoy a Tex-Mex night with our Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe.
• Go for comfort with the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli dinner option.
• Add a fresh touch with Mediterranean White Beans & Greens.
• Keep it cozy with the Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add pancetta? Go gluten-free? Maybe a dash of red pepper flakes? I love hearing your twists and takes. Questions are always welcome too.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and cozy comfort soups on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorites.

Conclusion

Pasta e Fagioli isn’t just a soup. It’s a bowl of tradition, comfort, and rustic Italian flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some simmer time, you can create a meal that feels like home, whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth. It’s the kind of dish that nourishes body and soul—perfect for sharing, freezing, or enjoying all to yourself.

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