Easy Pasta Fagioli
Easy Pasta Fagioli is a delightful comfort dish that brings the warmth of Italian cooking into your home. This recipe combines hearty beans, tender pasta, and aromatic vegetables to deliver a satisfying meal that is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a go-to option for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with nutritious ingredients like beans and vegetables, this soup will keep you satisfied.
- Versatile: Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to fit your taste preferences.
- Healthy Option: This recipe is low in calories yet high in protein and fiber, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—great for lunch or dinner!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools on hand can make preparing Easy Pasta Fagioli even easier. Here are some essentials you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large saucepan: Ideal for simmering your soup ingredients together evenly.
- Cooking spoon: Perfect for stirring the mixture without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of spices and oils for balanced flavors.

Ingredients
To create this delicious Easy Pasta Fagioli, gather the following ingredients:
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrot diced
- 2 stalk celery diced
- 2 thin slice onion diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic chopped
Broth and Sauce
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 14 ounce chicken broth
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
Beans & Pasta
- 2 15 ounce cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 3 cups ditalini pasta
How to Make Easy Pasta Fagioli
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and onion; sauté until soft.
- Stir in chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, freshly ground black pepper, dried parsley, and dried basil.
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- In another pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente; drain well.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add drained cannellini beans to the soup mixture; let simmer for a few more minutes.
- Once pasta is cooked, stir it into the sauce and bean mixture until well combined.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of Easy Pasta Fagioli! Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
How to Serve Easy Pasta Fagioli
Easy Pasta Fagioli is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
With Cheese
- Grated Romano or Parmesan: A sprinkle of cheese adds rich flavor and creaminess, enhancing the soup’s overall taste.
- Vegan Cheese Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, try using plant-based cheese for that cheesy goodness without the dairy.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of toasted baguette for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to add a savory touch that complements the soup’s flavors.
With Fresh Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the Pasta Fagioli.
- Caesar Salad: This classic option adds crunch and flavor, making it a perfect side dish.
How to Perfect Easy Pasta Fagioli
To ensure your Easy Pasta Fagioli turns out delicious every time, consider these handy tips. They will help you enhance flavors and achieve the perfect texture.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Opt for fresh carrots, celery, and onions to maximize flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to achieve the right balance.
- Choose Quality Broth: A good-quality chicken broth will deepen the flavor of your soup significantly.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For best texture, cook ditalini pasta separately and then combine it with the sauce just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Toast: Slices of bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden brown complement the soup perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a colorful and nutritious addition alongside your soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar add freshness and brightness to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for a hearty appetizer that pairs well with hearty soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers creates an inviting start to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances out the warmth of the soup with its coolness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Pasta Fagioli, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can affect the final dish.
- Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté the vegetables first can result in a lack of flavor. Always cook your carrots, celery, and onion until softened for a rich base.
- Using plain water instead of broth: Using water rather than chicken broth will make your soup bland. Opt for chicken broth for a delicious depth of flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can lead to mushiness. Aim for al dente pasta so it maintains its texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can leave your soup flat. Always season to your taste with black pepper or herbs before serving.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Low-quality canned beans and tomato sauce can affect the dish’s overall taste. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container.
- It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Pasta Fagioli
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Pasta Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Pasta Fagioli?
Easy Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with beans, pasta, and vegetables. It’s perfect for cold weather and easy to prepare.
How long does it take to make Easy Pasta Fagioli?
The total time for making Easy Pasta Fagioli is about 60 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.
Can I customize Easy Pasta Fagioli?
Yes! You can add different vegetables or use whole grain pasta. Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference.
Is Easy Pasta Fagioli healthy?
Absolutely! It contains nutritious ingredients like beans and vegetables while being low in calories and fat.
Final Thoughts
Easy Pasta Fagioli is not only delicious but also highly versatile. This comforting soup allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy its heartwarming flavors!
Easy Pasta Fagioli
Experience the warmth of Italian cuisine with Easy Pasta Fagioli, a comforting soup that combines hearty beans, tender pasta, and aromatic vegetables. This delightful recipe is not just quick to prepare—taking only about an hour from start to finish—but it also offers a nutritious and filling meal perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. With the ability to customize ingredients and flavors, this dish can easily become your go-to option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 diced carrots
- 2 diced celery stalks
- 2 diced onions
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups ditalini pasta
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onion until softened. Stir in chopped garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, black pepper, parsley, and basil; simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- In a separate pot, boil lightly salted water and cook ditalini pasta for about 8 minutes until al dente; drain.
- Mix drained cannellini beans into the soup mixture; let simmer for a few more minutes.
- Stir in cooked pasta before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
