© Original Recipe By Serena’s Flavor Lab ©
Cozy Italian Pasta Fagioli Comfort Soup 🍲🇮🇹✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying soup, then the Pasta Fagioli recipe is your perfect match. Known as an iconic Italian comfort food, this traditional pasta fagioli recipe combines nourishing beans, tender pasta, and savory vegetables into one delicious bowl. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this hearty bean soup will become a favorite in your kitchen.
2. Ingredients for Classic Pasta Fagioli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pasta Fagioli
Preparing the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Adding the Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in the cannellini beans and diced tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Season with dried thyme and oregano.
Simmering the Soup
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
Cooking the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the small pasta shapes separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combining and Serving
Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
4. Tips for Perfect Pasta Fagioli
For an even heartier twist, add cooked bacon or Italian sausage. To make vegan pasta fagioli, use vegetable broth and skip the cheese. Feel free to swap out the pasta for gluten-free options to suit dietary needs.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Comfort Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the soup fresh, store the pasta separately and add it to the soup when reheating. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months — just thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
6. Serving Suggestions for Your Pasta Fagioli
This hearty bean soup pairs wonderfully with crusty warm bread or garlic bread, such as garlic Parmesan chicken skewers. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with a side salad or steamed greens.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Pasta Fagioli
Can I substitute canned beans for dried beans?
Yes, canned beans are a quick and convenient option. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the soup. Dried beans require soaking and longer cooking but can be used for a more traditional approach.
Is Pasta Fagioli suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta varieties to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire process takes approximately 40-45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet comforting meal.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To make your Pasta Fagioli cooking experience even better, consider investing in quality kitchen tools. For example, a Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer makes reheating leftovers effortless and adds versatility to your kitchen. A sturdy T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures even cooking without sticking. With the right tools, creating this hearty traditional pasta fagioli recipe becomes simpler and more enjoyable.
9. Conclusion
Indulge in a bowl of warm, comforting Pasta Fagioli and experience the magic of genuine Italian comfort food. This hearty bean soup is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or a cozy night in, this traditional pasta fagioli recipe will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Buon appetito!
Print
Cozy Italian Pasta Fagioli Comfort Soup
A hearty Italian bean and pasta soup that combines flavorful broth, tender beans, and pasta, simmered to perfection with herbs and spices.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add broth, beans, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Use gluten-free pasta as a dietary option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg