Description
Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian soup combining tender pasta, hearty beans, and flavorful vegetables. This comforting and nutritious recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and can be customized with your choice of broth and pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Pasta
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ¾ cup small pasta (like ditalini)
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Soup Base: Add the crushed tomatoes, drained cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the small pasta and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente—tender but still with a slight bite.
- Season and Finish: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors. Serve the soup hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker texture, mash a portion of the beans before adding the pasta.
- Pasta Fagioli tastes even better the next day; add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it if needed.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free version.
