Hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

My favorite comfort dish, this hearty italian pasta fagioli soup, brings warmth and nostalgia from my grandmother’s kitchen.

Memories of rich, aromatic flavors dance through my mind with each spoonful.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic Italian comfort meal.

Beans and pasta create a symphony of textures that feel like a culinary embrace.

Regional traditions shine through every carefully selected component of this soul-satisfying recipe.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered broth promise a delightful experience you won’t soon forget.

Grab your ladle and let’s transform simple ingredients into something magical that will make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy trattoria.

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup FAQs Answered

• What are cannellini beans, and why are they used in this recipe?

Cannellini beans are white Italian kidney beans with a creamy texture and mild flavor. They add protein, fiber, and a smooth consistency to the pasta fagioli soup, making it more filling and nutritious.

• Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans. Soak them overnight and cook them before adding to the soup. This method takes longer but can provide a fresher taste and more control over bean texture.

• Is this soup considered healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is packed with protein from sausage and beans, vegetables like carrots and celery, and contains balanced nutrients. It’s a hearty, nutritious meal that offers multiple food groups in one dish.

Why Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Feels So Comforting

• Savor Family Comfort: A hearty soup that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, warming flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping sausage for ground turkey, adding extra vegetables, or making it vegetarian-friendly for diverse dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Packed with protein and vegetables, this one-pot wonder delivers a nutritious meal in less than an hour, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or feeding a hungry family, this soup satisfies different taste preferences with its robust Italian-inspired ingredients.

All Ingredients For Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Italian Sausage: A savory meat that adds rich flavor and depth to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a hearty liquid base with a subtle poultry essence.

• Cannellini Beans, Kidney Beans: Creamy white and red beans that add protein and texture to the soup.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that create a flavorful aromatic base.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy and slightly sweet tomato foundation for the soup.

• Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that contribute bright and earthy notes to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle herbal undertone to the soup.

• Pasta: Adds substance and makes the soup more filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty finish to the soup.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.

Simple Steps To Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Step 1: Brown Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into the pot and cook until it turns golden brown, breaking it into smaller pieces while stirring.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Parsley

Sauté the vegetables and herbs for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Enhance with Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the kitchen to fill with a delightful aroma.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Cannellini beans
• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bay leaves

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Add pasta to the simmering soup and cook for 9-10 minutes until it reaches al dente texture.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Remove bay leaves from the soup. Take the pot off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

If the soup seems too thick, splash in additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.

Helpful Ideas For Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Boost Sausage Flavor: Brown sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich caramelized notes that enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
• Customize Bean Texture: Partially mash some cannellini beans to create a creamier, thicker soup base without adding extra cream.
• Perfect Pasta Cooking: Add pasta near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente texture.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid by adding broth or water to achieve your preferred soup thickness without compromising flavor.
• Elevate Final Touches: Sprinkle fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano and red pepper flakes just before serving to add brightness and subtle heat.

Easy Ways To Tweak Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based ground meat or extra beans like chickpeas for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Fagioli: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Add jalapeños, swap rosemary for cumin, and include Mexican blend cheese instead of Parmesan for a zesty variation.
• Mediterranean Herb Soup: Incorporate fresh oregano, swap kidney beans for white beans, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for Mediterranean flair.

What Goes Well With Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the hearty soup's robust flavors and rich ingredients.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, toasted Italian bread rubbed with fresh garlic to soak up the delicious broth and add textural contrast.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette and chopped herbs like basil and parsley to balance the soup's warmth and provide refreshing brightness.
• Enhance with Pecorino Drizzle: Sprinkle additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the soup for extra tangy, salty depth that elevates the entire dish's Mediterranean profile.

How To Store Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Smartly

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing pasta as it becomes mushy when thawed.
• Pour soup into a pot, add splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent pasta from overcooking.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot. Add extra liquid if needed to prevent drying out.

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 31–33 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Heartwarming Italian pasta fagioli soup brings rustic comfort straight from Tuscany’s countryside kitchens. Packed with hearty beans, tender pasta, and rich tomato broth, this classic dish promises warm satisfaction you’ll savor spoonful by spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound mild or spicy ground turkey or chicken sausage (casings removed)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion (finely diced)
• 3 medium carrots (finely diced)
• 2 medium celery ribs (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquid and Beans:

• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (16 ounces) tomato sauce

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley (chopped)

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 cup (4 ounces) dried pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (plus more for serving)

Optional Garnish:

• Crushed red pepper flakes (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, crumbling the meat while cooking.
2. Incorporate onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for 6 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, allowing its fragrance to permeate the mixture.
4. Pour in chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and bay leaves. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Introduce pasta and continue simmering for 9-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
6. Discard bay leaves and remove pot from heat. Fold in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy consistency.
7. Adjust soup’s thickness by adding extra broth if needed. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
8. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Notes

• Customize Protein Options by swapping sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Control Sodium Levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making the soup heart-friendly.
• Achieve Perfect Pasta Texture by adding pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente consistency.
• Enhance Leftovers Storage by keeping pasta separate from soup broth to prevent soggy noodles, storing them in different containers and combining when reheating.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 24–26 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg