Pasta e Fagioli Soup – The Ultimate Italian Comfort Food Recipe

If you’ve ever walked into an Italian kitchen on a cool evening, you know the comforting aroma of simmering soup that fills the air. One of the most beloved Italian dishes of all time — Pasta e Fagioli — is the perfect blend of hearty beans, tender pasta, and rich, flavorful broth.

This traditional recipe has been warming hearts for generations, and today we’ll recreate it in your kitchen with easy steps, accessible ingredients, and authentic Italian flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for the family, this Pasta e Fagioli Soup delivers the taste of Italy in every spoonful.

🕒 Quick Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8 bowls
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian comfort food

🇮🇹 What is Pasta e Fagioli?

“Pasta e Fagioli” (pronounced pah-stah eh fah-joh-lee) literally translates to “pasta and beans.”
This soup originated as a peasant dish in rural Italy, created to stretch simple ingredients like beans, pasta, and vegetables into something nourishing and filling.

Each region of Italy has its variation — some are thick and creamy, others more broth-based. But the soul of the dish remains the same: simple ingredients cooked with love.

In this version, we combine ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier texture, but you can easily make it vegetarian by skipping the meat.

🥕 Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down what makes this soup so special. Each ingredient has a purpose, adding layers of flavor and texture.

🧄 Base Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds richness and depth. Use sausage for a bolder, slightly spicy profile.
1 small onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
2 carrots, chopped: Adds color and natural sweetness.
2 celery ribs, chopped: Provides that classic soup aroma and structure.
3 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of Italian cooking — adds warmth and depth.

🫘 Core Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
These beans bring protein, creaminess, and a rustic texture. The mix of kidney and cannellini gives both body and smoothness.

🍅 Tomato & Broth Base

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – provides acidity and brightness.
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – thickens the soup and enhances the tomato base.
4 cups beef or chicken broth – creates a flavorful foundation. Use low-sodium broth to control salt.

🍝 Pasta & Seasoning

1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Small pasta absorbs flavor and makes every bite satisfying.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of oregano, basil, and rosemary for an authentic taste.
½ tsp dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note.
Salt & pepper to taste: Always adjust to balance the flavors.

🧀 Garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese & fresh parsley: Add aroma, color, and that final Italian touch.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

👉 Tip: For extra flavor, don’t over-stir while browning — let the meat caramelize slightly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic directly to the pot.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.

This creates the flavor base that defines the entire soup.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Tomatoes

Stir in the drained beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
These ingredients give the soup its signature heartiness and depth.

Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker texture, mash a few beans before adding them to the pot.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings

Add beef or chicken broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

After simmering, stir in your small pasta (ditalini or elbow).
Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.

If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a bit more broth or water.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

For an extra layer of creaminess (without cream), blend one cup of the soup and stir it back in — this gives it a velvety, rich consistency.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pasta e Fagioli is a full meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few classic Italian sides:

Warm garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese red wine to complete the Italian experience.

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about Pasta e Fagioli is how well it stores and tastes even better the next day.

Refrigerator:

Let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container.
It keeps fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it, as pasta absorbs liquid over time.

Meal Prep Tip:

For freezer-friendly batches, cook the pasta separately and add it only when reheating — this keeps the pasta from getting soggy.

💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Pasta e Fagioli

Don’t rush the simmering. The longer the flavors meld, the deeper and richer your soup becomes.
Use two types of beans. It adds contrast — kidney beans for bite, cannellini for creaminess.
Balance acidity. If the soup tastes too tangy from tomatoes, add a small pinch of sugar.
Add a Parmesan rind while simmering (if available) — it melts slowly, infusing flavor.
Go meatless for a vegetarian version — just use vegetable broth instead of beef/chicken.
Avoid overcooking pasta. Stop cooking when it’s al dente for perfect texture.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s hearty and wholesome — perfect for cold days.
Uses affordable pantry staples.
Family-friendly and kid-approved.
Freezer-friendly for meal prep.
Customizable — easily adapt to vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

🌿 Variations to Try

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth.
Creamy Style: Blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency.
Tuscan Twist: Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Rustic Style: Use pancetta instead of ground beef for a more authentic Italian flavor.

🧂 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values for 1 serving (without garnish):

Calories: 370 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 9 g
Sodium: 820 mg

(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different beans?

Absolutely. You can substitute pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas — the flavor will slightly vary, but the result will still be delicious.

2. What kind of pasta works best?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow, or small shells work best. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as they don’t hold the soup’s texture well.

3. How do I thicken the soup?

Blend one cup of the soup and stir it back in — this natural method thickens it beautifully without cream or flour.

4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes.

5. Is it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or rice-shaped pasta. Always check broth labels for hidden gluten.

🧄 The Secret to True Italian Flavor

Authenticity in Italian cooking comes from simplicity and patience.
Instead of relying on heavy cream or extra spices, Italians let quality ingredients do the talking.

Use fresh garlic, good olive oil, and ripe tomatoes. Simmer gently. Taste often.
That’s how you capture the magic of a traditional Pasta e Fagioli.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is more than a recipe — it’s a story of Italian tradition, family, and love in a bowl.
Each bite reminds us that the best meals don’t require fancy ingredients — just time, care, and a good pot of soup shared around the table.

Make it once, and it’ll become part of your home’s comfort-food rotation forever.

Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍲

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