Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe

Pasta e Fagioli, or “Pasta and Beans,” is a classic Italian soup known for its rich, hearty flavor and satisfying texture. A perfect combination of pasta, beans, vegetables, and savory herbs, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare and will warm you up during chilly evenings. It’s a budget-friendly dish made with simple pantry staples, yet it delivers full flavor. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, Pasta e Fagioli is always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow, or shells)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Soup ?

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Step 2:
Add minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.

Step 3:
Add the cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4:
Add the pasta to the soup and continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 5:
Stir in the spinach or kale (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat-based ingredients.
• Meat Lover’s Version: Add cooked sausage or pancetta for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or use spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
• Tomato-based: For a more tomato-forward flavor, add extra canned diced tomatoes or use tomato paste to thicken the soup.

Cooking Note:

• This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors improve as they sit!
• If you like your pasta more al dente, add it toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Pasta e Fagioli with a side of crusty bread and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect meal. For a balanced lunch, pair it with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

Helpful Tips:

1. Use dried beans: For even better flavor, cook your own dried beans rather than using canned. This adds a bit of extra time but makes a big difference in taste.
2. Herb substitutions: If you don’t have dried oregano and thyme, try fresh basil or rosemary for a different twist.
3. Freezing: This soup freezes well! If you want to make a big batch, store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Related Recipes:

• Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe
• Easy Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup Recipe
• Easy Mushroom Gravy Recipe
• Creamy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use different types of beans?

A1: Absolutely! You can swap in any beans you prefer, such as great northern beans, pinto beans, or black beans.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A2: Yes! Pasta e Fagioli is even better the next day. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Q3: How can I make this soup thicker?

A3: To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or an immersion blender. Alternatively, add less broth for a heartier texture.

Q4: Is this recipe vegan?

A4: It can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a timeless Italian classic that combines the goodness of beans, vegetables, and pasta into a flavorful, comforting dish. It’s hearty enough for a filling meal but light enough for any occasion. Easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this soup will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen! Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, Pasta e Fagioli offers the perfect solution, packed with wholesome ingredients and unbeatable flavor.

Print