Pasta Fagioli

Introduction

Pasta Fagioli, also known as “pasta e fagioli,” is a classic Italian comfort dish that combines tender pasta with hearty beans, simmered in a fragrant tomato and vegetable broth. This satisfying soup is loved for its simple ingredients and deep, savory flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight meal—wholesome, warming, and guaranteed to please the whole family.

Why Pasta Fagioli Is a Must-Make

What makes Pasta Fagioli truly special is its ability to deliver robust, rustic flavors using pantry staples. The creamy tender beans, flavorful aromatics, and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmony that’s filling yet light. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch, this soup fits the bill—plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make in one pot.

Crafting Flavorful Pasta Fagioli

The soul of Pasta Fagioli lies in layering flavors. Start by sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, and celery in olive oil. Add carrots for a touch of sweetness, then simmer tomatoes and beans with vegetable or chicken broth and Italian herbs. The pasta is added near the end, absorbing the seasoned broth and infusing the soup with heartiness. A finishing drizzle of olive oil or sprinkling of Parmesan takes this dish over the top.

The Perfect Pasta for Fagioli

Choose a small pasta shape like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells. These bite-sized pastas blend beautifully with the beans and vegetables, making every spoonful balanced and satisfying. Cook the pasta directly in the broth for maximum flavor and a thicker, more comforting consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Pasta Fagioli

Serve Pasta Fagioli hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices on the side are perfect for soaking up every last drop. For a burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This soup is even better the next day, as flavors continue to meld.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty bowls of Pasta Fagioli. Each serving is typically around 320–380 calories, depending on bean and pasta choice. It’s high in fiber and plant-based protein, making it a healthful, satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.

Pasta Fagioli Recap

Experience the magic of this beloved Italian soup—simple ingredients transformed into a bowl of comfort that delivers big flavor. Pasta Fagioli is a crowd-pleasing, one-pot wonder that’s both nourishing and delicious.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section – perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
2. Add garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), beans, broth, oregano, thyme, and basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Add the ditalini pasta. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally, adding more broth or water if soup thickens too much.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan. Enjoy with toasted bread, if desired!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Pasta Fagioli recipe is perfect for batch cooking and planning ahead. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly meal plan and automatically generate a smart, consolidated shopping list for the week.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all planned meals
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery store section
• Prevents purchasing duplicates and forgetting key ingredients
• Keeps meal prep streamlined and stress-free

Pro tip: When combining several recipes in your plan, schedule your recipes and see at a glance how ingredients overlap—reducing food waste and saving money on groceries.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy a timeless Italian staple as part of your meal planning routine with help from CookifyAI!