|

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli is a classic Italian soup that is warm, filling, and full of simple, comforting goodness. The name means “pasta and beans,” which perfectly describes what this soup is all about. It began as a humble meal made by Italian families using everyday pantry staples like dried beans, small pasta, tomatoes, and vegetables. Even though it started as an affordable, simple dish, Pasta e Fagioli has become loved all around the world because it is hearty, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.

Mediterranean Pasta

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is thick and hearty, almost like a stew, yet still light enough to enjoy with a spoon like a traditional soup. It’s packed with tender beans, soft pasta, and a rich, tomato-based broth full of comforting flavor. The taste is gentle and mild not spicyso it’s a dish that both kids and adults can happily enjoy. Made with simple ingredients and no complicated steps, this soup is perfect for beginners and a wonderful choice for cooking together as a family.

Why You Should Try Pasta e Fagioli Soup

You should try Pasta e Fagioli Soup because it’s easy to make, nutritious, and very satisfying. It’s packed with protein from the beans, energy from the pasta, and helpful vitamins from the vegetables. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean always a big win! As it cooks, it fills your kitchen with a warm, cozy smell that makes everyone hungry and happy.

Another great reason to love this soup is how flexible and forgiving it is. You can easily add or skip vegetables based on what you have in your kitchen, making it a perfect clean out the fridge meal. Keep it vegetarian for a light, plant based option, or add meat if you want something extra hearty. It’s also ideal for meal prep because the flavors deepen and taste even better the next day. Whether it’s a cold evening or you’re simply craving something warm and cozy, Pasta e Fagioli Soup is always a comforting and delicious choice.

Ingredients you’ll need for Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Here is everything you need to make Pasta e Fagioli Soup:

  • Olive oil
  • Onion chopped
  • Carrots diced
  • Celery diced
  • Garlic cloves minced
  • Canned diced tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Canned beans cannellini, kidney beans, or both
  • Small pasta like ditalini or small shells
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional: spinach or kale for extra veggies
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 1

Start by placing a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up. Once the oil is ready, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them gently and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and smell sweet. This step builds the flavor of the soup, so don’t rush it.

Step 2

Next, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep stirring to prevent burning. Add the tomato paste and stir it into the vegetables, letting it cook for about a minute. This helps deepen the tomato flavor.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 3

Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mix and become rich and tasty.

Step 4

Now it’s time to add the pasta. Stir it in and let the soup cook until the pasta is tender, usually about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Step 5

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese if you like.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!

Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Ladle for serving

Tips and Variation Ideas

Use canned beans to save time. Just rinse them before adding to the soup.

Chop all your vegetables before you start cooking to make the process easier.

If the soup gets too thick, add a little extra broth or water.

Cook the pasta directly in the soup for extra flavor, but stir often.

What to Eat With Pasta e Fagioli Soup

This Pasta e Fagioli Soup is so filling on its own that my family and I enjoy it by itself, and as soon as we finish this soup, we have some delicious desserts like cheesecake or cookies.

Mediterranean Pasta

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I add meat to Pasta e Fagioli Soup ?

Yes, sausage or ground beef can be added for extra protein.

How long does Pasta e Fagioli last in the fridge ?

It lasts up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Pasta e Fagioli Soup ?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months, especially without the pasta.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker ?

Yes, cook everything except pasta, then add pasta near the end

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Recipe by sophieCourse: Main Course, SoupsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

320

kcal
Total time

45

minutes

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a warm and hearty Italian soup made with small pasta, beans, vegetables, and a tasty tomato broth. It is easy to make, filling, and perfect for a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil

  • Onion chopped

  • Carrots diced

  • Celery diced

  • Garlic cloves minced

  • Canned diced tomatoes

  • Tomato paste

  • Vegetable or chicken broth

  • Canned beans cannellini, kidney beans, or both

  • Small pasta like ditalini or small shells

  • Italian seasoning

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Optional: spinach or kale for extra veggies

  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

  • Start by placing a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up. Once the oil is ready, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them gently and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and smell sweet. This step builds the flavor of the soup, so don’t rush it.
  • Next, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep stirring to prevent burning. Add the tomato paste and stir it into the vegetables, letting it cook for about a minute. This helps deepen the tomato flavor.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mix and become rich and tasty.
  • Now it’s time to add the pasta. Stir it in and let the soup cook until the pasta is tender, usually about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese if you like.

Notes

  • Stir pasta often to prevent sticking to the pot.
  • Add cooked sausage or beef if you want extra protein.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers.
  • Taste and adjust salt near the end of cooking.
Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon
Lemon Orzo
Almond Poppy Seed Bread
Pecan Pie Cookies

Similar Posts

  • Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon

    Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon is a tasty and comforting fish dish made with soft, flaky salmon cooked in a smooth and creamy sauce. Fresh lemon and dill give the sauce a bright, fresh flavor that makes the dish feel light and delicious. The lemon adds a gentle tang, while the dill brings a mild, herby taste that pairs perfectly with salmon. All the flavors come together in a creamy sauce that feels rich without being heavy.

  • Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

    Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a simple and tasty dish made by filling bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of ingredients like ground meat, rice, vegetables, and seasonings, then cooking them in an air fryer instead of an oven. The air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook the peppers quickly while giving them a slightly roasted, tender texture on the outside and a warm, fully cooked filling on the inside. This method is faster than traditional baking and uses less oil, making it a convenient option for busy families.

  • Meatball Stroganoff

    Meatball Stroganoff is a cozy, creamy dinner that brings together tender meatballs and a rich, smooth sauce made with mushrooms, onions, and sour cream. It is inspired by classic beef stroganoff, but instead of sliced beef, this version uses meatballs, which makes it easier, more fun, and very family friendly. The sauce is savory and slightly tangy, coating every bite so it tastes comforting without being too heavy. It is the kind of meal that feels warm and welcoming, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

  • |

    White Bean and Kale Soup 

    White Bean and Kale Soup is a warm, comforting, and nourishing dish made with soft white beans, fresh kale, simple vegetables, and a well seasoned broth. It’s the kind of soup that feels cozy from the first spoonful and gives your body plenty of healthy nutrients at the same time. The white beans add a smooth, creamy texture and satisfying protein, while the kale brings a bright color, gentle bite, and lots of vitamins. Because the ingredients are wholesome and straightforward, this soup is a favorite in many homes for easy, everyday cooking.

  • Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

    Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta is a fresh, healthy, and incredibly simple pasta dish made with ripe avocados, leafy spinach, garlic, and a few basic ingredients blended into a smooth and creamy sauce. Even though the sauce tastes rich and indulgent, it actually contains no heavy cream at all. The creamy texture comes naturally from the avocado, which blends into a silky, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Because of this, the dish feels comforting and satisfying while still being lighter and healthier than many traditional creamy pasta recipes.

  • |

    Beef Empanadas

    Beef empanadas are delicious stuffed pastries that are crispy on the outside and warm and savory on the inside. They are made by filling dough with a seasoned beef mixture, folding it over, and then baking or frying until golden brown. Think of them like little hand pies but instead of sweet fruit inside, they are filled with tasty meat, onions, spices, and sometimes vegetables. People in many countries enjoy empanadas, especially in Latin American and Spanish-style cooking, and each place has its own version.