Name: Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup diced onion; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 cup quartered carrots; 2 15 oz cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 15 oz can tomato sauce; 1 dried bay leaf; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth; 2 cups water; 1 cup dry ditalini pasta

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup loaded with beans, vegetables, and tender pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether made on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or crockpot, it offers versatility and ease.

A white bowl filled with a vibrant red-orange tomato-based soup, loaded with small round pasta and white beans, topped with shredded pale yellow cheese and sprinkled with green parsley pieces. The soup looks thick and hearty, with the pasta and beans evenly mixed throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, around which scattered parsley bits and cheese shreds can be seen. Two gold spoons lie nearby, adding a touch of shine to the setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup diced onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup quartered carrots
2 15 oz cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 dried bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 cup dry ditalini pasta

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and softened.
Step 3: Add the beans, tomato sauce, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir together.
Step 4: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce heat to medium.
Step 6: Add the dry pasta and stir to combine. Cook for half the recommended time on the pasta package—important to undercook the pasta.
Step 7: Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Instant Pot Instructions

Step 1: Set Instant Pot to Sauté for 8 minutes. Heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Drain and rinse the beans while the veggies cook.
Step 4: Scrape any browned bits from the pot to avoid burn warnings. Add pasta, beans, spices, water, and broth. Pour tomato sauce on top without stirring.
Step 5: Seal the pot and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes, then perform a quick release.
Step 6: Discard bay leaf, stir, and serve. For best texture, consider cooking pasta separately to avoid overcooking.

Crockpot Instructions

Step 1: On the stove, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes until softened, then transfer to crockpot base.
Step 2: Drain and rinse beans.
Step 3: Add tomato sauce, spices, broth, water, and beans to crockpot. Do not add pasta yet. Stir and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Step 4: During the last hour, add raw pasta and stir to combine. Cover and cook the final hour. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and mix in.
Step 5: Under-cook the pasta as it will continue to absorb broth after cooking. Add more broth if soup becomes too thick.
Step 6: Discard bay leaf before serving.

Tips & Variations

Always undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy as it continues to cook in the soup.
Use small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni for authentic texture.
Add a splash of good-quality balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.
For a meatier version, include cooked Italian sausage or pancetta with the vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a bit of broth or water to loosen the soup if it has thickened. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with tomato-based soup containing small tube-shaped pasta. The soup is a rich orange-red color with visible small white beans and diced vegetables mixed throughout. On top, there is a sprinkle of shredded cheese and finely chopped green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some scattered herbs and shredded cheese around. Nearby are two gold-colored spoons and a small bowl filled with shredded cheese. In the background, parts of another white bowl and a large dark pot are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with great northern beans, navy beans, or kidney beans depending on your preference.

What pasta can I use if I don’t have ditalini?

Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo work well and maintain the right texture in the soup.