Pasta Fagioli Soup
A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring tender beef, beans, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for satisfying meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean beef ⓘ
- 1 potato, cut in 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 (16 oz.) cans red beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 8 oz. dried ditalini or tubetti or elbow pasta or small shells ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients except pasta to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture until vegetables and beans are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook for approximately 15 minutes or until pasta is done.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the beef. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or canned beans can be used instead of dried. Feel free to substitute the ditalini pasta with any small pasta shape you have on hand, such as elbow pasta or small shells. You can also add greens like spinach for extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Italian recipes found on our site, making it a versatile choice for family dinners. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or water if it becomes too thick. This soup also freezes well; just store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fagioli Soup contains roughly 1240 calories, with 53g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (231% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables or plant-based protein sources like lentils or chickpeas to maintain a hearty texture.
What types of beans can I use?
While the recipe calls for red beans, you can substitute them with cannellini beans, kidney beans, or even black beans for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that you use canned beans that are rinsed and drained to reduce sodium content.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To adjust the spiciness of your Pasta Fagioli Soup, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit any spicy seasonings and focus on the herbs for a more classic taste.
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).