This hearty Pasta Fagioli recipe brings the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine straight to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup combines tender pasta, creamy beans, and rich tomato broth in one delicious bowl.
With simple ingredients and flexible cooking methods, you can enjoy authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this crowd-pleasing dish makes meal planning a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli checks all the boxes for family-friendly cooking. It costs less than ordering takeout, uses pantry staples you likely already have, and welcomes creative adaptations. You get satisfying textures from al dente pasta and soft beans while enjoying layers of flavor from aromatic herbs and spices. Best served hot with crusty bread, this recipe works equally well for lunch or dinner. For more meal inspiration, explore our collection of 17 quick dinner ideas to simplify your routine.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Kids love the mild tomato base and fun pasta shapes, while adults appreciate the balanced nutrition. You can adjust the spice level easily by reducing red pepper flakes so everyone enjoys their bowl. This vegetarian soup keeps well in the fridge too, making it perfect for packed lunches.
Recipe
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Pasta Fagioli
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian soup featuring pasta, beans and tomatoes in flavorful broth.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 cup diced onion (150 g)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (30 g)
- 1 cup quartered carrots (130 g)
- 2 15 oz cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (425 g cans)
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce (425 g)
- 1 dried bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth (950 ml)
- 2 cups water (475 ml)
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta (90 g)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots and sauté 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, herbs, broth and water.
- Bring to a boil then add pasta and cook 10-12 minutes until tender.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For creamier texture, mash some beans before adding.
- Store leftovers without pasta for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 337 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 366 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Vegetables
Fresh onions, carrots, and garlic form the foundation of flavor. Dice them small for even cooking. Substitute parsnips for carrots if you prefer a sweeter undertone.
Herbs and Seasonings
Dried basil, oregano, and parsley deepen the Italian character. If you have fresh herbs, triple the amount. Modern kitchens make great use of these spices in many dishes, just like the herbs in cheesy dinners.
Liquid Components
Low-sodium vegetable broth allows you to control the salt content. Replace with chicken broth for non-vegetarian versions. Tomato sauce creates a velvety base—crushed tomatoes work if you don’t have sauce.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli
Stovetop Instructions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Mix in beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in broth and water, bringing to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Instant Pot Instructions
Set Instant Pot to Saute mode. Add oil, onion, and carrots, cooking 3 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Turn off Saute mode and add all remaining ingredients except pasta. Secure lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release pressure. Stir in pasta, reseal lid, and cook on Manual/High for 4 minutes. Quick release again before serving.
Crockpot Instructions
Combine oil, onion, carrots, garlic, beans, tomato sauce, herbs, broth, and water in slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low 6-8 hours or High 3-4 hours. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in pasta and cook until tender. This hands-off method works wonders for busy days.
Pro Tips for Success
- Rinse beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Add pasta separately to each serving if storing leftovers to prevent mushiness.
- Finish with fresh parsley or grated vegan cheese for extra flair.
Flavor Variations
Change up your Pasta Fagioli with these simple twists:
- Tomato Boost: Swirl in 2 tablespoons tomato paste when sautéing vegetables.
- Protein Power: Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein.
- Spice Adjustments: Double red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Looking for more recipe inspiration? Try our flavor-packed chicken enchiladas for a Tex-Mex twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your soup with warm bread or a light salad. Mini grilled cheese sandwiches make an excellent companion for dunking—find our crunchy grilled cheese recipe here. For heartier appetites, add garlic breadsticks or roasted green beans.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. Freeze portions without pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and add fresh cooked pasta.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 337 kcal | 3 g | 62 g | 16 g | 11 g | 7 g | 366 mg |
FAQs About Pasta Fagioli
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans work beautifully. Rinse them well before adding to reduce sodium.
What pasta holds up best?
Ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni maintain shape best in soups. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair.
How do I thicken the soup?
Mash 1/4 cup beans before adding for a creamier texture without extra fat.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Fagioli recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with home-cooked simplicity. You get a nutritious meal packed with plant-based protein, fiber-rich ingredients, and bold Italian seasoning.
Whether cooking for family dinners or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish never disappoints. After trying this timeless soup, you’ll understand why generations of cooks keep it in regular rotation.
