Name: Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup diced onion; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 cup quartered carrots; 2 15 oz cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup dry ditalini pasta; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 15 oz can tomato sauce; 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth; 2 cups water; 1 dried bay leaf; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t just any soup—it’s a cozy Italian classic brimming with tender beans, bite-sized pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth that hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just in the mood for something wholesome, this recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years, and I’m excited to share all the tips and tricks so you can nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The blend of garlic, herbs, and tomato sauce perfectly complements the creamy cannellini beans for a hearty taste.
Textural Harmony: Ditalini pasta brings just the right bite without overpowering the comforting broth and vegetables.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and canned beans so you can whip it up anytime without fuss.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Adaptable for stovetop, Instant Pot, or crockpot, though stovetop yields the best pasta texture.

Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup, Italian bean and pasta soup, hearty pasta and bean recipe, cozy Italian comfort food, easy Pasta Fagioli soup - A close-up view of a large spoon filled with small round pasta tubes coated in a smooth, orange-red tomato sauce mixed with small bits of herbs and vegetables, with more pasta in the same sauce filling the background, creating a dense textured look of pasta and sauce blending together, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is all about harmony: creamy beans, tender pasta, and fragrant herbs making magic together. I always recommend grabbing good quality olive oil and low sodium broth to keep the flavors bright and balanced.

Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup, Italian bean and pasta soup, hearty pasta and bean recipe, cozy Italian comfort food, easy Pasta Fagioli soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of diced fresh onion, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of quartered fresh carrots, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed and drained cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a single dried bay leaf, small piles of dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, and a small white ceramic bowl of dry ditalini pasta, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and is perfect for gently sautéing the veggies.
Diced onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when softened properly.
Minced garlic: A vital flavor booster that makes the soup feel truly home-cooked.
Quartered carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and texture – I like cutting them into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
Cannellini beans: Creamy and hearty, they’re the star protein and fiber source here; rinsing canned beans removes excess salt and preserves soup’s fresh taste.
Tomato sauce: Gives that essential tangy base; use a smooth sauce for a silky broth.
Dried bay leaf: Slowly infuses subtle earthiness but remember to remove it before serving!
Dried basil, parsley, oregano: These Italian herbs create layers of fragrant flavor without overpowering the soup.
Black pepper & red pepper flakes: Adds warmth and just a hint of spice for balance.
Low sodium vegetable broth: Provides that comforting liquid base without too much salt.
Water: Adjusts the broth intensity and volume.
Dry ditalini pasta: Tiny tubular pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the broth beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe my own by switching up a few things depending on what’s in my fridge, and you should too! It’s all about tweaking it so it fits your taste and lifestyle perfectly.

Variation: Sometimes I swap cannellini beans for kidney or great northern beans to give it a slightly different texture and flavor; try it out and see which you like best!
Spice it up: Want a little more kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Greens add-in: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra nutrition and color.
Make it meaty: If you’re a meat-eater, browned Italian sausage or pancetta stirred in at the beginning really amps up the heartiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Start

Heat your extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large pot until it shimmers—don’t rush this step, it’s crucial for flavor. Then add diced onion, minced garlic, and quartered carrots. Stir and sauté for about 5 minutes or until onions turn translucent and really soften, filling your kitchen with that comforting aroma. Keep an eye so the garlic doesn’t brown too quickly; you want it fragrant but not bitter.

Step 2: Build the Broth Magic

Next, toss in your rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, and a mix of dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes, plus that bay leaf you’re going to love. Pour in the vegetable broth and water, giving everything a good stir to combine. Cover the pot and crank the heat up to high to bring your soup to a boil. This usually takes about 10 minutes—stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom and burns.

Step 3: Pasta Perfectly Under Cooked

When your soup is bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and remove the lid. Add in your dry ditalini pasta—but here’s the trick: cook it for only half of what the package says. Yes, undercooked pasta is key! It’ll soak up broth and continue softening without turning mushy once off the heat. Stir occasionally and watch carefully to catch the perfect tender bite.

Step 4: Final Touches & Serve

Before you ladle into bowls, fish out that bay leaf—it’s done its job but nobody wants to bite into it. Give your soup one last stir and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Then serve piping hot with your favorite garnishes (spoiler alert below!).

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Pro Tips for Making Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Prep Veggies Ahead: Chop your onion, carrots, and garlic the day before or morning of—this saves time and makes cooking a breeze.
Rinse Your Beans Well: Rinsing canned beans removes extra sodium and that canned taste, giving your soup a fresher flavor.
Always Under Cook Pasta: It’s the best way to keep the pasta tender, never mushy, as it swells soaking up the broth off the heat.
Skip Instant Pot for Pasta: From my trials, the pasta overcooks easily in pressure cookers—stick to stovetop or cook pasta separately if using Instant Pot.

How to Serve Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup, Italian bean and pasta soup, hearty pasta and bean recipe, cozy Italian comfort food, easy Pasta Fagioli soup - A white bowl filled with small tube-shaped pasta in a thick orange tomato broth with visible small white beans and diced orange vegetables. The dish is topped with shredded white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered evenly on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl of Pasta Fagioli with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil—it adds richness and that salty punch that every comforting soup craves. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few chopped fresh basil leaves or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes if I’m in the mood for a little heat.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic focaccia are my go-to companions for this soup. There’s nothing like dipping warm bread into the rich broth. Also, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the heartiness nicely—always a winner when I’m serving family or guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini Dutch ovens or individual soup crocks with a parmesan rind resting in the bowl for a rustic look. You could also swirl a spoonful of pesto on top or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for an unexpected twist that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and the soup actually tastes even better the next day once flavors meld. Just remember, the pasta will absorb the broth overnight, so it can thicken—this is why I keep extra broth handy to stir in when reheating.

Freezing

I usually freeze the soup without the pasta—pasta tends to turn mushy when thawed. When I want to enjoy again, I reheat the soup and cook fresh pasta separately, then combine. This keeps that perfect al dente bite alive.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If you have leftover pasta in the soup, be cautious as it can break down quickly—heat just until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and no cheese topping. For a vegan version, simply avoid adding parmesan cheese as a garnish. The beans provide plenty of protein and the herbs deliver big flavor, so you won’t miss the meat.
What’s the best pasta to use for Pasta Fagioli?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they fit beautifully in a spoon along with beans and broth. Avoid large pasta shapes which can overpower the soup or take longer to cook evenly.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

You can! Just remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. Using canned beans saves tons of time and is totally fine, but dried beans add an extra fresh cooked feel if you have the time.
Why should I undercook the pasta?

Undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy as it continues cooking in the hot soup or while stored. This trick keeps each bite perfectly tender and prevents the soup from turning into a gloopy mess.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so genuine about a bowl of Pasta Fagioli—it’s comfort, tradition, and simple goodness all in one. I hope this Comforting Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe becomes your kitchen favorite like it is mine, bringing warmth to your table and smiles to your loved ones’ faces. So go ahead, dive into that simmering pot and savor a bowl full of love. You’ve got this!