Pasta Fagioli Soup: Classic Italian Comfort in a Bowl
Pasta Fagioli (pronounced pah-stah fah-JOE-lee) is a traditional Italian soup that brings together humble ingredients to create something deeply comforting and satisfying. Translating to “pasta and beans,” this rustic dish combines tender beans, small pasta, aromatic vegetables, and a savory tomato-based broth.
Hearty yet wholesome, Pasta Fagioli is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Every spoonful delivers rich flavor, nourishing ingredients, and old-world comfort.
Why You’ll Love Pasta Fagioli Soup
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Hearty and filling without being heavy
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Made with simple pantry staples
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Budget-friendly and nutritious
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Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
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Can be made vegetarian or with meat
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 can (15 oz) cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup ditalini or small pasta
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
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½ lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Equipment Needed
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Large pot or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon
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Knife and cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta
Stir in beans and pasta. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in fresh herbs and remove from heat.
Tips for the Best Pasta Fagioli
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Cook pasta al dente—it will continue softening in the soup.
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Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking.
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Add broth if soup thickens too much.
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Fresh herbs elevate the flavor significantly.
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Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving.
Variations
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Olive Garden–Style: Add ground beef and kidney beans.
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Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip meat.
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Extra Hearty: Add potatoes or zucchini.
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Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or Parmesan rind.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
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Crusty Italian bread
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Garlic bread
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Fresh green salad
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Extra Parmesan cheese
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
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Freezer: Freeze without pasta for best texture.
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Reheating: Warm on stovetop with added broth.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~280
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Protein: 12g
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Fiber: 8g
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
Why Pasta Fagioli Is a Classic
Pasta Fagioli is the essence of Italian home cooking—simple, nourishing, and deeply flavorful. It’s a dish born from necessity, using affordable ingredients, yet it delivers comfort and satisfaction like few others.
The combination of beans and pasta provides lasting energy, while vegetables and herbs add freshness and balance. It’s a soup that feels like home, no matter where you are.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Fagioli Soup is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.