Best Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Best Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Lucy Bennett

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-11T11:35:39.969Z

This hearty Pasta Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that combines pasta with beans and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for chilly evenings!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A warm and hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl
  • Packed with protein from beans and a variety of vegetables
  • Easy to make and perfect for meal prep

A Hearty Comfort Food

Pasta Fagioli is the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty beans, pasta, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. This dish is not only filling but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect choice for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. The warmth of the soup wraps around you like a cozy blanket, providing that home-cooked feeling that everyone craves.

The simplicity of Pasta Fagioli is part of its charm. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time. It's an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The cannellini beans provide a great source of protein and fiber, making Pasta Fagioli a filling meal that can keep you energized throughout the day. Paired with a variety of vegetables, this dish offers essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy diet.

Additionally, the use of vegetable broth and fresh ingredients ensures that you are consuming wholesome, low-calorie food. You can feel good about serving this dish to your family, knowing that it's both satisfying and beneficial for their health.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of Pasta Fagioli is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to include your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. This makes it an excellent way to use up any leftover produce in your fridge, reducing food waste while creating a delicious meal.

Moreover, you can adjust the seasoning and spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like a bit of heat or prefer a more subtle flavor, Pasta Fagioli can accommodate your palate. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or even add a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Broth

Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

Add Beans and Pasta

Stir in the cannellini beans, pasta, and oregano. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Pasta Fagioli!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Pasta Fagioli is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore its soupy goodness.

If you plan to freeze the soup, consider leaving the pasta out and adding it fresh when you reheat. This will help maintain the pasta's texture and prevent it from becoming mushy. To freeze, store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pasta Fagioli with a simple side salad and crusty bread to create a complete meal. The freshness of the salad and the warmth of the bread complement the soup beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup can also add a delightful richness.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein source like grilled chicken or sausage. This not only elevates the dish but also adds depth to the flavors. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a starter, Pasta Fagioli is sure to impress!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make Pasta Fagioli ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze Pasta Fagioli?

Yes, it freezes well! Just leave out the pasta and add it when reheating.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best.

→ Is Pasta Fagioli vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan if you use vegetable broth.

Best Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Best Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Lucy Bennett

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Pasta Fagioli

  1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 1 onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 carrot, diced
  5. 1 celery stalk, diced
  6. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  7. 4 cups vegetable broth
  8. 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  9. 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
  10. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  11. Salt and pepper to taste
  12. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

Step 03

Stir in the cannellini beans, pasta, and oregano. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 04

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 14g