Quick Italian Comfort: Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Winters call for comfort in a bowl, and this pasta e fagioli soup delivers warmth with every spoonful.

Packed with robust flavors and classic Italian ingredients, this hearty pasta e fagioli soup brings rustic charm to your dinner table.

Tender beans mingle with soft pasta, creating a rich and satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Aromatic herbs and savory broth infuse each bite with depth and character.

Crisp pancetta adds a salty crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Home cooks can whip up this traditional recipe with simple pantry staples and minimal effort.

Savor the soul-warming goodness of this beloved Italian classic that promises to nourish and delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

All The Basics For PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP

• Onion: Builds a robust flavor foundation and adds sweet depth to the soup's profile.
• Carrots: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color with essential nutrients.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle earthy undertone and classic soup aromatics.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish's complexity.

• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that create a hearty texture and provide plant-based protein.
• Kidney Beans: Adds rich, meaty texture and additional protein with a robust red color.

• Olive Oil: High-quality fat for sautéing vegetables and building initial flavor layers.
• Broth: Creates the soup's liquid foundation with depth and richness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and creates a rich, tangy base for the soup.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup's consistency.

• Italian Seasoning: Blends classic Mediterranean herbs for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Rosemary: Introduces a piney, aromatic note with subtle woodsy undertones.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat and spicy kick.

• Ditalini Pasta: Small, short pasta that perfectly captures soup's texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and herbal freshness.
• Basil: Optional herb that introduces sweet, peppery notes.

Tools To Make PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP Easily

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the entire soup, providing ample space for ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and preparing fresh herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into individual bowls.
• Grater: Used for creating fresh Parmesan cheese garnish.

Steps To Cook PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP Comfort Food

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up your favorite cooking pot and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes, then invite minced garlic to join the party for another minute.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Introduce diced tomatoes, a dollop of tomato paste, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Let these ingredients mingle and release their aromatic magic for a couple of minutes.

• Create Hearty Depth

Pour in rich broth and welcome cannellini and kidney beans into the mix. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then dial down the heat and let the soup simmer, allowing flavors to become best friends for 15-20 minutes.

• Pasta Perfection

Add ditalini pasta and let it cook until tender, about 10 minutes. If the soup looks thirsty, splash in extra broth to keep things loose and inviting.

• Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and crown your creation with fresh herbs and a shower of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting masterpiece!

Tips To Make PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP Special

• Perfect Pasta Prep: Cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
• Bean Brilliance: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch for a cleaner soup flavor.
• Vegetarian Victory: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra protein like diced tofu or additional beans for a plant-based version.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating to keep noodles from becoming mushy.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano, or add a splash of red wine for deeper, richer flavor complexity.

How To Serve PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP Hot

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to dip into the rich, flavorful soup, soaking up every delicious drop of broth and adding wonderful texture.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve in deep ceramic bowls that showcase the colorful beans and pasta, making each serving feel warm and inviting for a comforting meal.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino romano cheese on top, allowing it to slightly melt and create a creamy, tangy layer that enhances the soup's robust flavors.
• Veggie Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, adding a bright green pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal aroma that complements the hearty soup base.

Storage Tips For PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP Leftovers

• Quick Storage Solutions: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping flavors intact.
• Freezing Technique: Separate pasta from soup before freezing to prevent mushy texture. Store liquid base in freezer-safe containers for 3 months, adding fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating Strategy: Warm soup slowly on stovetop, adding splash of broth to restore original consistency. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain texture.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during busy weeks.

Hearty Pasta E Fagioli Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Rich Italian pasta e fagioli soup blends hearty beans and pasta in a comforting broth. Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic peasant dish that warms souls and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Create Aromatic Base: Sauté finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent, releasing their delicate flavors and creating a rich foundational layer.
2. Enhance Flavor Profile: Add minced garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, stirring thoroughly to develop a robust and complex taste matrix.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, incorporating cannellini and kidney beans, then bring the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Pasta Infusion: Add ditalini pasta directly into the simmering soup, allowing it to cook until perfectly al dente while absorbing the surrounding aromatic liquid and melding with other ingredients.
5. Final Refinement: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile and ideal consistency. Serve hot in warm bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Sautéing: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Brief sautéing prevents garlic from burning and turning bitter, maintaining a delicate aromatic profile.
• Manage Pasta Texture: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain an ideal al dente consistency, avoiding mushy pasta.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free pasta, vegetable broth for vegetarian version, or reducing sodium for low-salt diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg