Pasta e Fagioli Soup is the ultimate cozy Italian-inspired comfort food. It combines tender vegetables, savory ground beef or turkey, hearty beans, tomatoes, and small pasta in a flavorful broth.
This easy one-pot soup comes together in about 50 minutes and makes a satisfying meal for the whole family. Finish each bowl with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add the Beans and Seasonings
Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables and seasonings to develop their flavor.
6. Cook the Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked to your liking.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta.
7. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.
⭐ Tips for Success
- Use ground beef or turkey: Both work well, so choose based on your preference.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Ditalini can become soft quickly, so cook just until al dente.
- Rinse the beans: Rinsing canned beans removes excess liquid and helps keep the soup’s flavor clean.
- Adjust the consistency: Add a little extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- Make it extra flavorful: A Parmesan rind can be simmered with the soup and removed before serving.
🥕 Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the ground meat and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The beans and pasta still make the soup hearty and satisfying.
🍞 What to Serve With Pasta e Fagioli
This soup is delicious with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. A little extra Parmesan on top adds even more savory flavor.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if the soup has become too thick.
The soup can also be frozen, although the pasta may become softer after thawing.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Category: Soup
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Pasta e Fagioli Soup is simple, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. With tender vegetables, savory meat, creamy beans, tomatoes, and bite-sized pasta, it’s an easy meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Serve it with Parmesan and fresh parsley, grab some crusty bread, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade comfort food.