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Classic Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta fagioli soup, topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley.
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Make this classic Pasta Fagioli recipe, a hearty Italian comfort food soup loaded with beans, tender pasta, and savory broth. This recipe is simple to make on the stovetop and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef (omit for vegetarian)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or small shell pasta
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. If using meat, add the ground Italian sausage or beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken or vegetable broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Once simmering, add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup should thicken slightly as the pasta cooks.
  6. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle the hearty Pasta Fagioli soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian Pasta Fagioli, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. You can add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash about 1/2 cup of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the rest of the ingredients, or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
  • To adapt this for a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables and brown the meat (if using) on the stovetop first. Transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the liquids, beans, and bay leaf. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chefsily.com/classic-hearty-pasta-fagioli-recipe/