Pasta E Fagioli(Pasta And Bean Soup)
Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup combining tender beans, pasta, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Rich with tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan, it's a comforting dish perfect for cozy meals and adaptable for vegetarians or added protein options. Bright, savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 4 large tomatoes blanched and chopped
- 1 quart plus 1 cup water
- 6 ounces uncooked white kidney beans rinsed and soaked overnight then drained ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup cut green beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers ⓘ
- 1 1/2 ounces uncooked ditalini ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil over high heat.
- Add diced onions, diced celery, and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add water and drained kidney beans; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until beans are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Add sliced zucchini, chopped carrots, chopped green beans, and chopped green and red bell peppers; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked ditalini, chopped basil, chopped parsley, and salt; cover and cook until pasta is just al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Serve each portion sprinkled with 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some Italian seasoning while the beans are cooking. If you don’t have ditalini, elbow macaroni or small shells can be great substitutes. For a heartier version, try adding cooked sausage or pancetta. If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans before adding the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta E Fagioli hot, garnished with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Stuffed Manicotti or Tomato Basil Linguine for a delightful Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, as the pasta will absorb some liquid. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta E Fagioli(Pasta And Bean Soup) contains roughly 632 calories, with 13g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2579mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pasta E Fagioli ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors improve as it sits. Just be sure to undercook the pasta slightly if you plan to store it, as it will continue to cook in the residual heat. Reheat gently before serving.
What type of beans can I use for this recipe?
While white kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute with cannellini beans or even chickpeas for a different flavor. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding to the soup.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Pasta E Fagioli is naturally vegan, packed with vegetables and beans. Just omit the cheese at the end or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it plant-based while still enjoying the comforting flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).