This comforting bowl of Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian-inspired soup made with tender pasta, creamy white beans, vegetables, and rich tomato broth. It’s satisfying, cozy, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal that still feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is made in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. It’s filling enough to be a complete dinner thanks to the pasta and beans, yet balanced with vegetables and herbs. The flavors are deep and savory, the ingredients are simple and affordable, and the recipe is easy to adapt to your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
olive oil – 1 tablespoon
halal beef sausage or smoked turkey sausage, finely chopped – 150 grams
carrots, peeled and chopped – 3 large
celery ribs, finely diced – 2
onion, finely diced – 1 medium
garlic cloves, minced – 4
tomato paste – 1 tablespoon
Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
salt – ½ teaspoon
black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth – 5 cups
diced tomatoes – 1 can (14 oz / 398 ml)
white kidney beans, drained and rinsed – 2 cans (19 oz / 540 ml each)
bay leaf – 1
Parmesan cheese rind – 1 small piece
ditalini or other small pasta, uncooked – 1 cup (about 130 grams)
fresh spinach or kale, chopped – 2 cups
grated Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped halal sausage and cook until lightly browned and fragrant.
Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the mixture smells aromatic.
Pour in the broth, then add the diced tomatoes, white beans, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are nearly tender.
Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover again and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Just before serving, remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Stir in the spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until the greens wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 generous servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Variations
You can use any small pasta shape such as orzo, small shells, or elbows instead of ditalini.
Swap spinach for chopped kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
Use cannellini beans or great northern beans in place of white kidney beans.
For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth, adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil for richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
For best texture, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when reheating, especially if you plan to store leftovers.
The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Pasta Fagioli ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it even more delicious the next day.
Will the pasta get soft if stored?
Yes, the pasta will continue to absorb liquid. Cooking pasta separately helps keep it al dente when storing leftovers.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. The beans and Parmesan still provide great flavor.
What kind of beans work best?
White kidney beans are classic, but cannellini or great northern beans work just as well.
Can I freeze Pasta Fagioli?
Yes, it freezes well. For best results, freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when serving.
Is this soup very thick?
It’s moderately thick and hearty. Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, chopped fresh tomatoes can be used, though canned tomatoes provide a deeper flavor.
What can I serve with Pasta Fagioli?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers are great additions.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Always taste at the end. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan to suit your preference.
Conclusion
Pasta Fagioli is the kind of recipe that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s easy, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Once you try it, this classic soup is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian-inspired soup packed with pasta, white beans, vegetables, and a savory tomato broth. This comforting one-pot meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights.
