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Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a warm, hearty Italian classic combining tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a savory broth infused with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables. This comforting soup is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and offers a balanced meal perfect for any season, customizable to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup short pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the soffritto: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the flavor base of your soup.
  2. Add garlic and tomato elements: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste or crushed tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to release a rich aroma and deepen in color.
  3. Combine broth and beans: Pour in the broth and add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start blending the flavors.
  4. Simmer with herbs: Add fresh rosemary and parsley, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld properly.
  5. Incorporate pasta: Add the pasta to the simmering soup and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Use good-quality broth to enhance the soup’s flavor.
  • Add pasta toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
  • Rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium and improve freshness.
  • For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans while retaining some whole beans for chunkiness.
  • Fresh herbs are essential for a bright and fresh flavor profile.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta e Fagioli, Italian soup, cannellini beans, comfort food, hearty soup, easy soup recipe, gluten-free option, vegetarian soup