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Hearty Pasta Fagioli: A Comforting Italian Soup Recipe

Close-up of a white mug filled with rich, tomato-based pasta fagioli soup, featuring elbow macaroni, white beans, and carrots.
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Make this hearty Pasta Fagioli, a classic Italian soup featuring tender pasta, creamy beans, and a savory tomato broth. This easy recipe delivers authentic comfort food perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef (optional for vegetarian version)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. If using meat, add the ground Italian sausage or beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), cannellini beans, and kidney beans.
  5. Pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Add the small pasta to the soup. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian Pasta Fagioli, skip the meat and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms with the vegetables for depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash about 1/4 cup of the cannellini beans against the side of the pot before adding the broth, or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, making it excellent for meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/easy-pasta-fagioli-comfort-soup-recipe/