Description
This Hearty Italian Pasta e Fagioli Soup is the ultimate cozy, rustic comfort food. Packed with tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, savory vegetables, and Italian herbs, it’s a budget-friendly, flexible, and deeply satisfying meal. Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, and vegetarian dinners, this classic Italian soup is simple to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add beans to the soup and let simmer for 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, place a scoop of pasta into each bowl and ladle soup over the top. Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For added flavor, Italian sausage with the vegetables.
- For a nutrient boost, stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes.
- To make it spicy, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify all packaged items are gluten-free.
- Store pasta and soup separately in the fridge to prevent sogginess. Add broth or water when reheating if the soup thickens.
