If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and warms your soul, this Easy Pasta Fagioli recipe is calling your name. Packed with tender beans, al dente pasta, and rich, savory broth, this classic Italian comfort food is perfect for any day you need a fuss-free, hearty dish on the table. Simple ingredients unite to create a delicious texture and flavor profile that everyone will adore, making Easy Pasta Fagioli a go-to in your cooking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Time-Saving Magic: Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Beans and pasta combine for a balanced meal packed with protein and carbs.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single pot.
- Versatile Comfort Food: Equally comforting in winter or year-round, and easily adjustable to your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Mild, hearty flavors that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients build the foundation of the perfect Easy Pasta Fagioli. Each element is essential, contributing flavor, color, or hearty texture to this classic soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans add protein and a velvety texture that defines the dish.
- Small Pasta (Ditalini or Elbow): Bite-sized pasta pieces that blend seamlessly throughout the soup.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that build a rich, savory flavor base.
- Carrots and Celery: Classic soffritto vegetables that add subtle sweetness and crunch.
- Diced Tomatoes: Bring vibrant color and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that ties everything together.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle for sautéing veggies that boosts aroma and depth.
- Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme): Optional but highly recommended for an herbal lift.
- Parmesan Cheese: Perfect finishing touch for a nutty, salty kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out every flavor.
Variations for Easy Pasta Fagioli
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, inviting you to customize it based on what’s in your pantry, your dietary needs, or simply your flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas to make it your own masterpiece.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or replace with a vegan alternative.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili for a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Hearty Meat Add-In: Brown ground beef or Italian sausage before cooking the vegetables for extra richness.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap for gluten-free ditalini or small pasta shapes without sacrificing texture.
- Greens Boost: Stir in fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes for added nutrition and color.
How to Make Easy Pasta Fagioli
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, creating a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Herbs
Pour in diced tomatoes along with rosemary and thyme, letting everything simmer together briefly to marry the flavors before the broth goes in.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beans
Add your chicken or vegetable broth and drained cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to let it simmer and deepen in flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add your pasta directly to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until pasta is tender yet firm, about 10 minutes depending on the pasta size.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and a drizzle of olive oil if desired before ladling into bowls.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pasta Fagioli
- Use Quality Broth: A flavorful broth sets the foundation for a deeply satisfying soup, so opt for a rich, low-sodium variety.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in leftovers.
- Fresh Herbs Always Win: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme boosts aroma and elevates the overall taste.
- Beans From Scratch: If using dried beans, soak and cook them beforehand for creamier texture and better flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the soup sit a few minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Pasta Fagioli
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a couple of fresh basil leaves for color and burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crusty garlic bread, warm focaccia, or a simple green salad to complete your cozy, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Easy Pasta Fagioli in mini bread bowls or alongside roasted vegetable bruschetta for an entertaining twist that wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pasta fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind pasta may absorb more broth as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but for best texture, freeze it without pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little broth or water to loosen the soup if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a convenient shortcut and work perfectly if you drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the soup.
Is Easy Pasta Fagioli suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Just swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the cheese or replace it with a plant-based version if you like.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the regular pasta with a gluten-free variety and double-check your broth ingredients to avoid gluten traces.
What type of pasta is best for Pasta Fagioli?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best as they mix evenly throughout the soup and maintain good texture.
Can I prepare Easy Pasta Fagioli in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté veggies first, then combine all ingredients except pasta in your slow cooker. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Pasta Fagioli to make any day feel special. Simple, flavorful, and endlessly comforting, this recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying solo during cozy nights in. Don’t hesitate to try it—your taste buds will thank you!
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Easy Pasta Fagioli
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (optional), Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta)
Description
Easy Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian comfort soup featuring tender cannellini beans, small pasta, and a rich savory broth. Ready in under 40 minutes and cooked in a single pot, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a warm, cozy meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients including vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, it offers balanced nutrition and a comforting flavor everyone will love.
Ingredients
Beans and Pasta
- 2 cups canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids and Oils
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the diced tomatoes, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Let the mixture simmer briefly to combine the flavors before adding the broth.
- Pour in Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the drained cannellini beans. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer so the flavors deepen.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the small pasta directly to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes depending on pasta size.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you like.
Notes
- Use a rich, low-sodium broth to enhance the soup’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Do not overcook the pasta to keep it al dente and maintain good texture, especially for leftovers.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme significantly boost aroma and taste; use them whenever possible.
- If using dried beans, soak and cook them in advance for creamier texture and better flavor.
- Allow the soup to rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
- For freezing, omit the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to prevent mushiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 2mg