Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Warm up with the best ever Pasta Fagioli Soup. This easy recipe offers a hearty meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. Get my simple tips inside!

May 16, 2025
By Chloe Patel.

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Cozy Comfort in Every Bowl: Pasta Fagioli Soup

When i think about comfort food, one dish always comes to mind—pasta fagioli soup. this hearty italian staple, which means “pasta and beans,” is truly a warm hug in a bowl.

Just imagine a chilly evening, snuggled up at home, and you’re savoring a bowl of this robust, flavorful creation. honestly, there's nothing quite like it!

Pasta fagioli soup has its roots in italy, a country known for its delicious, unfussy food. it’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something downright magical.

From garlic and tomatoes to creamy cannellini beans, every spoonful takes you on a little italian adventure. what makes it even better? it’s super easy to whip up—perfect for those of us who want to eat well but don’t have all day to cook!

In just about 50 minutes , you’ll have 6 generous servings ready to go. yeah, you read that right! it’s straightforward enough for newbie cooks, and even experienced chefs love how quick it is.

I mean, who doesn’t love a good instant pot dinner every once in a while?

Now, let’s talk about the perks of this recipe. first off, it’s loaded with good-for-you ingredients like beans and veggies, making it a nutritional powerhouse.

With around 300 calories per serving , it’s hearty without the guilt. plus, it’s the ideal dish for those cozy fall nights when all you want is something warming to sip on.

You can even pack it for lunch the next day—it heats up beautifully!

What truly makes this pasta fagioli soup special is its heartiness and versatility. you can easily adjust the flavors with spices or add in ground beef if you're craving something meatier.

And trust me, once you make this easy, flavorful soup, you’ll be craving it again and again. so, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to make not just a meal, but a memory.

No fancy chef skills required! let’s dive into the details and get cooking.

Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, cannellini beans, broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
• Once simmering, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (typically about 8-10 minutes).
• If using, stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Ingredients & Equipment for a Cozy Pasta Fagioli Soup

When it comes to my go-to comfort food, pasta fagioli soup takes the crown. it's cozy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying! let’s break down the essential ingredients and equipment you'll need to whip up this delightful classic.

Main Ingredients

This soup is all about simple but impactful flavors. Here’s what you’ll want:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) – A good quality oil makes a difference!
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 medium carrots , diced
• 2 celery stalks , diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes , with juices – Go for no-salt-added if you can!
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) cannellini beans , drained and rinsed – Creamy and smooth, just what you want!
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (960ml) – Homemade if possible, but store-bought works too.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adjust based on your spice tolerance!
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) (125g)
• 2 cups kale or spinach , chopped (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – Because who doesn’t want that pop of color?

Seasoning Notes

You know how some dishes need that extra oomph? For your Pasta Fagioli Soup , the essential spices are oregano and red pepper flakes . They keep it tasty and warm.

If you're in a pinch, here’s a quick substitution: if you don’t have oregano, italian seasoning can work too! and if the spice is too much, dial back those red pepper flakes or skip them entirely.

It’s your soup!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy gadgets; just grab these essentials:

• Large pot or Dutch oven – A sturdy one is key for even cooking.
• Ladle – For serving that delicious soup without spilling it everywhere!
• Knife and cutting board – A good sharp knife can make prep a breeze.
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

You might even have some of these tools already lurking in the back of your kitchen drawer.

Cooking is all about comfort and flavor, and this pasta fagioli soup recipe brings both to your table. i've got stories of chilly evenings hunched over a bowl of this goodness, feeling oh-so content.

So, gather your ingredients, break out the pot, and let’s make some magic happen! your cozy fall dinner is about to get a serious upgrade!

Cooking Method for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Prep Steps: Get Ready to Cook

First things first, let’s talk about mise en place . it sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready before you dive into cooking.

Chop your onions, mince that garlic, dice those carrots and celery – have your ingredients set out. you wouldn’t want to be scrambling for stuff halfway through, trust me.

Now for some little time-saving organization tips : keep your tools close. have a large pot ready for action. if you’re using canned beans and tomatoes, pop them open first.

It makes the process smoother.

Oh! and let’s not forget about safety. when dealing with knives, always cut away from yourself and keep your fingers tucked in.

We don’t want any accidents while making this pasta fagioli soup , do we?

Step-by-Step Process: Let’s Cook!

1. Sauté those aromatics : heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. toss in your diced onion, carrot, and celery.

   Cook for about 5- 7 minutes until they’re nice and softened. add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

   The kitchen should smell amazing!

2. Add the base : pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), a drained 15 oz can of cannellini beans , and 4 cups of broth .

   Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes – adjust to taste. season with salt and pepper.

   Bring it all to a simmer.

3. Cook the Pasta : Once it’s bubbling, stir in 1 cup of small pasta . You’re looking at about 8- 10 minutes of cooking here, so read that package.

4. Incorporating Greens : If you want to add some greens (and you totally should), toss in 2 cups of chopped kale or spinach during the last 2- 3 minutes .

5. Serve it Up : Taste your soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that extra touch!

Pro Tips: Make it Even Better

• Beans from Scratch : If you wanna elevate your game, soak dried beans overnight and cook them until tender. The flavor is off the charts!
• Avoid Overcooked Pasta : Seriously, no one wants mushy pasta. Add it later in the process to maintain that texture.
• Leftover Magic : This soup freezes like a champ! Just reheat with broth added to keep it from drying out.

Cooking is all about tweaking things to fit your taste, and the joy of this pasta fagioli soup recipe is in its flexibility.

Remember, cooking is supposed to be fun, so throw in some extra greens or spice it up if that’s your jam! enjoy this cozy fall recipe dinner with loved ones, and you can always count on this dish to warm the soul.

Happy cooking!

Recipe Notes for Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

Ah, Pasta Fagioli Soup —the cozy, dive-right-in kind of dish that wraps you in warmth. Now, let's chat about how you can take this lovely soup to the next level with some serving suggestions, storage tips, and even a few fun variations!

Serving Suggestions

Plating this soup is super simple. just ladle it into big bowls and sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.

And if you really wanna impress, a drizzle of good olive oil never hurt anyone. pair your pasta fagioli with a crusty loaf of garlic bread—oh my gosh, perfect for dipping! you could also toss a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette on the side.

And for drinks? a glass of chianti or even a light beer would go down nicely. you know, the kind that just makes everything feel a bit more italian!

Storage Tips

Now onto the not-so-fun but essential part—storage! if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), they’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Just pop them in an airtight container. if you’re looking to save it for later, this soup freezes beautifully! portion it into freezer bags, but make sure to leave some space for expansion.

When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. a splash of broth while reheating helps revive that soul-warming vibe too.

Variations

Feeling like mixing it up? you could totally throw in some italian sausage for a heartier twist. or, if you’re looking for something lighter, swap in some zucchini or bell peppers.

Gotta love flexibility, right? for a gluten-free option, try quinoa instead of pasta. it’s a great way to shake things up while keeping it healthy.

Nutrition Basics

Let’s not overlook the good stuff. this pasta fagioli soup recipe is pretty solid. it packs around 300 calories a serving , along with 12 grams of protein thanks to those hearty beans.

Plus, it’s rich in fiber from the veggies and beans, which is a win for your tummy!

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it! whether you’re whipping up this pasta fagioli soup for a chilly evening or just craving something cozy, it’s bound to hit the spot every time.

Trust me, there’s nothing quite like serving a warm bowl to friends or family. so roll up those sleeves and get ready for some cozy vibes! enjoy every spoonful!