🎉 Introduction
Warm, hearty, and deeply comforting, Pasta Fagioli is a timeless Italian-inspired soup that brings together tender pasta, creamy white beans, and simple vegetables in a rich tomato-based broth. This version is completely plant-based, focusing on clean flavors, gentle herbs, and a satisfying texture that makes every bowl feel like home.
This soup is perfect for:
- Cozy family dinners
- Meal prep for the week
- A nourishing lunch or light dinner
- Anyone who loves simple, rustic comfort food
With pantry staples and straightforward steps, this recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly comforting and filling.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
🛒 Ingredients
Balanced for hearty texture, savory depth, and classic flavor.
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
Beans & Pasta
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta, dry
Liquids
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cannellini beans add creaminess and protein, making the soup satisfying and filling.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add the vegetable broth, water, tomato sauce, cannellini beans, bay leaf, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Adjust Texture
If the soup becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or broth to loosen it.
Step 7: Final Taste Check
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional black pepper or red pepper flakes.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
A perfect one-pot comfort meal.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave
- Add water or broth as needed, since pasta absorbs liquid
The soup thickens over time and tastes even better the next day.
🥄 Variations
Customize your Pasta Fagioli easily:
- Extra Creamy: Mash some beans before simmering
- More Veggies: Add celery or zucchini
- Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes
- Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley before serving
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free small pasta
Each variation keeps the soup hearty, comforting, and satisfying.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is Pasta Fagioli traditionally thick?
Yes, it’s meant to be hearty and stew-like. - Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, any small pasta shape works well. - Is this soup filling enough as a meal?
Absolutely—beans and pasta make it very satisfying. - Can kids eat this?
Yes, it’s mild and family-friendly. - Does it freeze well?
Better fresh, but it can be frozen without the pasta. - Why add pasta later?
To prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy. - Can I blend part of the soup?
Yes, for a creamier texture. - Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it contains no animal products. - Does it taste better the next day?
Yes, flavors deepen as it rests. - What should I serve with it?
Crusty bread or a simple salad works perfectly.
🏁 Conclusion
This Classic Pasta Fagioli is a comforting, nourishing soup that delivers simple ingredients, rich flavor, and satisfying texture in every spoonful. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a family or prepping meals ahead of time.
Whether you’re craving warmth on a cool day or looking for a reliable, hearty recipe, this Pasta Fagioli is a timeless favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Classic Pasta Fagioli Made with Beans, Vegetables, and Tender Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it.
- Add the vegetable broth, water, tomato sauce, cannellini beans, bay leaf, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or broth to loosen it.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional black pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
Yes, it’s meant to be hearty and stew-like. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, any small pasta shape works well. Is this soup filling enough as a meal?
Absolutely—beans and pasta make it very satisfying. Can kids eat this?
Yes, it’s mild and family-friendly. Does it freeze well?
Better fresh, but it can be frozen without the pasta. Why add pasta later?
To prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy. Can I blend part of the soup?
Yes, for a creamier texture. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it contains no animal products. Does it taste better the next day?
Yes, flavors deepen as it rests. What should I serve with it?
Crusty bread or a simple salad works perfectly. 🏁 Conclusion This Classic Pasta Fagioli is a comforting, nourishing soup that delivers simple ingredients, rich flavor, and satisfying texture in every spoonful. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a family or prepping meals ahead of time. Whether you’re craving warmth on a cool day or looking for a reliable, hearty recipe, this Pasta Fagioli is a timeless favorite you’ll return to again and again.
