Pasta e Fagioli, meaning “pasta and beans,” is a classic Italian soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Packed with hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, tender vegetables, creamy beans, and al dente pasta, this flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty, and filling—a perfect meal for chilly days.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: Italian sausage, herbs, and fire-roasted tomatoes create a robust and savory broth.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with protein, fiber, and a medley of vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup minced carrots
- 1/2 cup minced celery
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 30 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Sausage:
In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, minced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the sausage is cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently, and add the minced garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. - Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat. - Cook the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 7 minutes. - Garnish and Serve:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth for a meatless version. Add more beans or mushrooms for added texture.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the soup.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta or use rice.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for additional nutrients.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of mozzarella before serving for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it, as the pasta may absorb liquid while stored.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup without adding the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and cook the pasta fresh to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
What type of pasta works best?
Ditalini is traditional, but any small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells works well.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, but Italian sausage adds extra flavor. If using ground beef, consider adding additional Italian seasonings.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for sausage?
Plant-based sausage crumbles are a great substitute, or you can add more beans and vegetables.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth works as a substitute, but beef broth adds a richer flavor.
How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?
For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot. For a thinner soup, add extra broth.
What toppings go well with Pasta e Fagioli?
Fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a slice of crusty bread are excellent choices.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Use spicy sausage or add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned?
Yes, use about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but fire-roasted canned tomatoes provide a smoky depth.
Conclusion
Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Its versatility makes it perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. With a blend of rich broth, savory sausage, creamy beans, and tender pasta, this soup is sure to become a staple in your home. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies every time!
Print
Pasta e Fagioli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 bowls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup minced carrots
- 1/2 cup minced celery
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 30 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, minced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the sausage is cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently, and add the minced garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. - Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat. - Cook the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 7 minutes. - Garnish and Serve:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg