Best Pasta Fagioli Soup is a rustic, Italian comfort food that warms the soul. This hearty soup combines tender beans, al dente pasta, and vibrant vegetables, creating a bowl that is as satisfying as it is delicious. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through your kitchen sets the stage for a delightful culinary experience. What makes it special is its seasonal ingredients, ease of preparation, and sustainable nature, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights, gatherings, or simply when you need a comforting hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pasta Fagioli Soup is your go-to for all occasions—perfect for cozy family dinners or even a casual get-together with friends. Its convenience shines through, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. It’s versatile too; you can easily adapt it based on what’s in your pantry or the season’s freshest produce. This comforting soup brings together soul-soothing warmth and hearty ingredients that satisfy both hunger and cravings, making it a dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
The magic of Pasta Fagioli Soup lies in its fresh, seasonal ingredients. Look for vibrant carrots and celery, their natural sweetness enhancing the broth. Diced tomatoes add a rich, tangy color, while aromatic herbs like basil and oregano infuse the soup with a delightful fragrance. The creaminess of cannellini beans pairs beautifully with small pasta, creating inviting textures in every spoonful. By choosing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you not only enhance the taste but also support sustainable practices, making each bowl a wholesome choice that feels great to serve and share.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
When shopping for ingredients, look for vibrant produce and aromatic herbs to maximize flavor. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to swap in fresh herbs for dried ones, or use any small pasta on hand. This recipe is also easily adaptable for dietary needs; for a vegan version, simply omit the cheese and ensure the broth is plant-based.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Prepare the Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes. The sizzling sound and the fragrant aroma of cooked onions fill the air, creating a warm base for your soup.
2. Mix in the Garlic
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. The garlic will release a wonderful, pungent aroma, enveloping your kitchen with its enticing scent.
3. Add Main Ingredients
Add the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, allowing the mixture to bubble and infuse flavors.
4. Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the aroma will be utterly irresistible.
5. Cook the Pasta
Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Watch as the pasta expands and absorbs the flavorful broth, making the soup even heartier.
6. Serve Hot
Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired. The warm, cheesy finish will elevate your Pasta Fagioli, adding an indulgent touch.
Essential Tools
To prepare your Pasta Fagioli Soup, you will need:
- Stockpot or large saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
These are essential tools for a successful cooking experience. If you have a ladle, it also helps when serving hot soup.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
For make-ahead options, this Pasta Fagioli Soup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store leftovers, place them in airtight containers. If you prefer freezing, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. It can stay fresh for up to 3 months; simply thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Perfect Pairings
Enhance your Pasta Fagioli experience with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread for dipping. Consider pairing your soup with a glass of robust red wine, which will complement the rich flavors beautifully. For dessert, a light sorbet can cleanse the palate after this hearty meal, creating a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Estimated nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Undercooked Veggies: Ensure the onions, carrots, and celery are sufficiently softened for the best texture.
- Too Thick: If your soup appears too thick, simply stir in a bit more vegetable broth until the desired consistency is reached.
- Overcooked Pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it may become mushy, so be sure to keep an eye on it!
Pro Tips for Best Results
- To enhance flavor, consider sautéing the garlic and herbs at the beginning; this will lend a deeper aroma and essence to your soup.
- For added richness, a splash of white wine can be added after sautéing the vegetables, allowing it to evaporate before adding the broth.
- Fresh herbs sprinkled on top not only brighten the dish visually but enhance the overall flavor.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Feel free to swap the cannellini beans for kidney beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with adding leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking to boost nutrition and flavor.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
This recipe can easily be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese and ensuring the vegetable broth is free of animal products. For gluten-free alternatives, use gluten-free pasta and check your broth for any gluten ingredients. Always be mindful of allergies, particularly with beans and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, if you prefer dried beans, soak and cook them beforehand.
2. How can I thicken the soup?
Blending a portion of the soup can create a thicker texture.
3. Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low.
4. Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
5. How long can I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Pasta Fagioli Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm experience perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy making this delicious dish! Please share your thoughts and tag us on social media with your Pasta Fagioli creations. For more comforting recipes, check out our recipe category page!
Print
Best Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rustic, Italian comfort food, this hearty soup combines tender beans, al dente pasta, and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese and ensure the broth is plant-based.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soup, pasta, Italian, comfort food, vegetarian, easy recipe
