This hearty Pasta e Fagioli soup is a comforting Italian classic that warms the soul. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, this soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and pantry staples, making it an economical choice for any occasion. The rich flavors from the beans, tomatoes, and herbs come together beautifully, creating a dish that is sure to impress!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Vegetables and Aromatics
- Broth and Beans
- Tomatoes and Seasoning
- Additional Ingredients
- How to Make Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Step 1: Heat the Oil
- Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Step 3: Combine Broth & Ingredients
- Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Step 5: Add Pasta
- How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Classic Presentation
- Family Style
- Elegant Dining
- How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Reheating Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Pasta e Fagioli soup?
- Can I make Pasta e Fagioli soup vegetarian?
- How do I thicken my Pasta e Fagioli soup?
- What type of pasta should I use in Pasta e Fagioli soup?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes required to make this soup, you can whip up a satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the soup with whatever vegetables you have on hand. This recipe encourages creativity!
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber from the beans and vitamins from the veggies, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love pasta and beans! This comforting dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather some essential tools before starting. Having the right equipment will help streamline your process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot: Ideal for making soups since it allows ample room for ingredients to mix while cooking.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Chef’s knife: A versatile tool that makes cutting through vegetables quick and easy.

Ingredients
To create this delicious Pasta e Fagioli soup, you’ll need:
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/4 cup oil (vegetable OR olive)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 2 whole carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
Broth and Beans
- 6 cups broth (chicken OR vegetable)
- 1 can kidney beans (drained)
- 1 can cannelloni beans (white) (drained)
Tomatoes and Seasoning
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1-2 cups dry pasta (uncooked)
How to Make Pasta e Fagioli soup
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable or olive oil over medium heat in a large stock pot.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add diced onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, and carrots to the pot.
* Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until onions become translucent.
Step 3: Combine Broth & Ingredients
Next, add chicken or vegetable broth along with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannelloni beans, remaining chopped carrots, water, and spices into the pot.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil.
* Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Finally, stir in uncooked pasta.
Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until pasta reaches your desired consistency.
Your delicious Pasta e Fagioli soup is now ready to serve! Enjoy this wholesome Italian dish on its own or paired with crusty bread.
How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli soup
Pasta e Fagioli soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. This hearty Italian dish can be served in various ways, allowing you to customize it to your taste and occasion.
Classic Presentation
- Bowl with Crusty Bread: Serve the soup in a deep bowl alongside a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top each serving with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
Family Style
- Large Pot on the Table: For family gatherings, serve the soup directly from the pot, letting everyone help themselves.
- Accompaniments: Offer grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on the side for guests to personalize their bowls.
Elegant Dining
- Soup Cups: For a more formal occasion, serve the soup in elegant cups or small bowls.
- Drizzle of Olive Oil: Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper for an upscale touch.
How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli soup
Perfecting your Pasta e Fagioli soup involves attention to detail and a few culinary tips. Here are some essential suggestions to elevate your dish.
- Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs and spices; they enhance the overall taste profile significantly.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add less water. For a brothier version, simply add more water or broth.
- Pasta Timing: Add pasta towards the end of cooking; this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Personalize Ingredients: Feel free to include seasonal vegetables or different beans based on what you have at home.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a while before serving helps blend flavors beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli soup
Pairing side dishes with your Pasta e Fagioli soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this hearty meal.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds freshness and crunch beside the warm soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a refreshing contrast in flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring extra nutrition and flavor diversity to your table.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light yet flavorful accompaniment.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese serves as a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pasta e Fagioli soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old vegetables can compromise the flavor of your soup. Always opt for fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can lead to mushy results. Add it towards the end and check for doneness frequently.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each broth can vary in saltiness. Taste your soup before adding extra salt to avoid an overly salty dish.
- Skipping the simmering step: Not allowing your soup to simmer properly can prevent flavors from developing fully. Be sure to let it simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component of your soup. Use high-quality chicken or vegetable broth to enhance flavor and depth.
- Not customizing ingredients: Sticking strictly to the recipe may limit your creativity. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or beans for a personal touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Pasta e Fagioli soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan, add a splash of water if needed, and heat over medium heat until simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pasta e Fagioli soup that might help you along the way.
What is Pasta e Fagioli soup?
Pasta e Fagioli soup is a hearty Italian dish made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s comforting and perfect for any meal.
Can I make Pasta e Fagioli soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and load it with your favorite veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I thicken my Pasta e Fagioli soup?
You can thicken your soup by adding more beans or using an immersion blender to puree part of it. This gives it a creamy texture without cream.
What type of pasta should I use in Pasta e Fagioli soup?
Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use any small pasta shape like macaroni or shell pasta that will hold up well in the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta e Fagioli soup is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl filled with comfort!
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Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately six servings 1x
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli soup, a delightful Italian classic that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. This hearty soup combines the richness of beans with vibrant vegetables, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using leftover veggies or pantry staples, this recipe invites creativity while offering a nutritious meal option packed with fiber and vitamins. Plus, it’s an economical choice that can easily be made in just 30 minutes! Gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy this nourishing soup that’s bound to impress.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 whole carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1–2 cups uncooked dry pasta
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté for about 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, remaining carrots, water, and spices.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add uncooked pasta and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





