The Best Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe For Cozy Winter Nights

Hearty and comforting, this pasta e fagioli soup blends rustic Italian flavors into a warm, satisfying meal.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe in kitchens across Italy.

Cannellini beans and tender pasta create a rich, filling combination that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple ingredients come together with surprising depth and complexity.

Each spoonful carries the essence of traditional countryside cooking.

Rich broth, soft beans, and delicate pasta will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming soup.

Why Pasta E Fagioli Soup Feels So Hearty

• Quick Kitchen Comfort: Whip up this hearty pasta e fagioli soup in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Transform simple, affordable ingredients like beans, vegetables, and pasta into a rich, delicious soup that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping beans, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pot soup that combines protein, vegetables, and pasta in one delightful, nutritious dish that's both practical and incredibly tasty.

Ingredients For Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic base to the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh background flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent depth to the soup.

• Cannellini Beans, Kidney Beans: Hearty protein source, creates creamy texture and adds substantial nutrition.

• Ditalini Pasta: Small, short pasta that perfectly fits the soup's consistency.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy, fresh tomato flavor and liquid base.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato richness and helps thicken the soup.

• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that adds Mediterranean flavor complexity.
• Rosemary: Brings woody, aromatic undertone to the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat and spiciness.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh garnish with green color.

• Broth: Creates the soup's foundation, adds depth and moisture.

• Olive Oil: Provides initial cooking fat and subtle flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty garnish with creamy texture.

How To Make Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Veggies

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until the kitchen fills with a delightful aroma.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh rosemary
• Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Stir everything together and let the ingredients mingle and develop deep, rich flavors for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

• Cannellini beans
• Kidney beans

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently. Allow the soup to develop its character for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pasta Magic

Sprinkle in ditalini pasta and let it dance in the simmering liquid. Cook until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, about 10 minutes. If the soup looks too thick, splash in some extra broth or water to reach your ideal consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Finesse

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Torn basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately and enjoy this classic Italian comfort soup that warms both body and soul.

Helpful Tips For Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Soften Vegetables Perfectly: Chop onions, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and release maximum flavor during sautéing.
• Control Soup Consistency: Add extra broth gradually to prevent the soup from becoming too thick, maintaining a perfect balance between liquid and ingredients.
• Pasta Cooking Hack: Add ditalini pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its ideal al dente texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley instead of dried ones to boost the soup's aromatic profile and provide a brighter taste.
• Dietary Adaptation Tip: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version, or use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

How To Store Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Refrigerate leftover pasta e fagioli soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Store the soup separately from additional pasta to prevent noodles from becoming mushy.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to storage containers, which helps maintain optimal texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months, leaving slight space at the top for expansion.
• When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore moisture and restore the soup's original consistency.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before warming gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Perfect Pairings For Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Pair with Crisp Italian White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that cuts through the soup's richness and complements its hearty vegetable profile.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread, rub with fresh garlic, and drizzle with olive oil to create the perfect dipping companion for this classic Italian soup.
• Match with Herb-Infused Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh basil to balance the soup's robust flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Aged Pecorino Romano: Sprinkle extra aged Pecorino Romano cheese over the soup for an intense, salty kick that elevates the overall taste and traditional Italian character of the dish.

Tasty Variations Of Pasta E Fagioli Soup

• Hearty Vegetarian Boost: Replace meat-based broth with vegetable stock and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine to elevate the soup's aromatic profile and add depth to the flavor.
• Spicy Sausage Kick: Brown Italian sausage before adding vegetables, creating a rich, meaty base that introduces a bold and zesty dimension to the classic recipe.
• Creamy Tuscan Style: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone at the end, transforming the soup into a more luxurious, velvety texture with added richness.

Pasta E Fagioli Soup FAQs

• What makes pasta e fagioli a classic Italian comfort food?

This soup combines simple, hearty ingredients like beans, pasta, and vegetables that represent traditional Italian home cooking. It originated as a peasant dish in rural Italy, using affordable, nutritious ingredients to feed large families.

• Is pasta e fagioli considered healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is packed with protein from beans, loaded with vegetables, and provides complex carbohydrates. It’s nutrient-dense, low in fat, and offers an excellent balance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the meat-based broth with vegetable broth. The beans provide plenty of protein, making it a complete vegetarian meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.

• Why do Italians traditionally make this soup?

Pasta e fagioli was designed as an economical, filling meal that could feed many people using inexpensive ingredients. It represents resourcefulness and the Italian philosophy of creating delicious food from simple, available components.