Description
Cozy Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a warm, hearty Italian soup packed with tender cannellini beans, chewy small pasta, and a savory blend of herbs and vegetables. Perfect for chilly days, this comforting dish uses simple pantry ingredients to create a nourishing meal that’s both family friendly and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Oil
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh)
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes, to build the flavor base.
- Add Tomato Paste and Herbs: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, coating the vegetables evenly. Add dried rosemary, thyme, and fresh bay leaves. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Incorporate Beans, Broth, and Pasta: Pour in 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth along with the rinsed cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then add 1 cup of small pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender but al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves carefully. Optionally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish. Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use quality broth (homemade or good store-bought) to elevate flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; remove from heat when just tender to avoid mushiness.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and keep flavors clean.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to balance flavors.
- Adjust broth or pasta quantity to customize soup consistency from stew-like to soupy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg