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
Scale
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