If you’re craving comfort food that tastes like a warm hug from a dear friend, then you’re in for a treat with Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone Recipe. This Italian classic is a hearty, nourishing soup brimming with tender beans, perfectly cooked pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs that come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re new to cooking Italian dishes or a seasoned home chef, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction, making it a staple to have in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Pasta Fagioli just right is all about having simple, wholesome ingredients that build layers of flavor with every spoonful. Each component plays a vital role, from the soft vegetables to the herbs that wake up the senses, and the beans that add creaminess and protein.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good quality oil for richness and a silky texture in the sauté.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a fragrant base to the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds depth and a slight kick to the flavor profile.
- 2 medium carrots (diced): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 2 celery stalks (diced): Contribute an earthy crunch and aromatic undertones.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Essential Italian herb that infuses the soup with classic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet herbaceous note that brightens the soup.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat to balance the flavors.
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings tang, juiciness, and a tomato-rich base.
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy legumes that bulk up the soup and provide protein.
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful, savory liquid foundation.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta or small elbow macaroni: The perfect bite-sized pasta that holds onto the broth beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Crucial for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness right at the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): For that authentic finishing touch of umami and creaminess.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and let them soften gently. This step is where the foundation for all the flavors is built. After about 5 to 6 minutes, the vegetables will be tender and fragrant, ready to welcome the herbs.
Step 2: Infuse the Herbs
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir these into the softened vegetables and cook for another minute to release their fragrant oils. This quick step transforms the aroma into something irresistibly Italian.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld and develop a rich, comforting taste.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
After simmering, add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta reaches al dente — tender but with a slight bite. This ensures your soup has the perfect texture, where pasta and broth come together in harmony.
Step 5: Season and Finish with Fresh Parsley
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This last addition adds a fresh burst of flavor and color that makes the dish pop in both taste and appearance.
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pasta Fagioli experience, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. The salty, creamy notes melt into the hot soup, giving it a luxurious touch. If you love a little extra freshness, a drizzle of good olive oil or a handful of extra parsley can brighten each bowl perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup is so satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, adding crispness that contrasts the warm, hearty soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party vibe, serve your Pasta Fagioli in rustic bowls alongside small plates of antipasti, like olives or marinated artichokes. You could also ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive, edible presentation that your guests will surely remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pasta Fagioli tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, which is great for busy weeks. Allow the soup to cool, then freeze in individual portions without the pasta if you prefer, as pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Add fresh pasta when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. If you stored the pasta separately, add it to the warmed soup right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned cannellini beans?
Absolutely! Just be sure to soak and cook them until tender before adding to the soup, as dried beans require much longer cooking times. Using canned beans saves time and is very convenient.
What if I don’t have ditalini pasta? What can I substitute?
Any small pasta shape like small shells, orzo, small elbow macaroni, or even mini farfalle works great in this recipe. Just keep the cooking time in mind to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly.
Is Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian. For extra flavor, you can optionally add a Parmesan rind while simmering, just remember to remove it before serving. You can also make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan cheese garnish.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy modification to suit dietary needs.
How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering it. If you prefer no heat, feel free to omit them or adjust the amount to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone Recipe has a special place in my heart—and I’m sure it will in yours too. This humble, comforting soup combines simple ingredients in a way that turns every meal into a celebration of Italian soul food. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share it with loved ones; it’s the type of dish that’s meant to be enjoyed together and savored slowly. Happy cooking and buon appetito!
Print
Pasta Fagioli: An Incredible Essential Recipe for Everyone Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian soup combining tender cannellini beans, hearty pasta, and a medley of aromatic vegetables in a savory tomato and herb broth. This comforting and nutritious meal is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner and is enjoyed by vegetarians and food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Pasta and Seasonings
- 1 cup ditalini pasta or small elbow macaroni
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute to release the aromas of the spices.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, the drained cannellini beans, and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season: Taste and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the fresh chopped parsley, and ladle the soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use other small pasta shapes such as small shells or orzo if preferred.
- For a richer umami flavor, add a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while it simmers and remove before serving.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
