There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Pasta Fagioli to warm you up on a chilly day. This classic Italian-inspired soup is packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal for the whole family. Unlike restaurant versions, this homemade recipe lets you control the sodium and use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Pasta Fagioli is traditionally made with simple pantry staples, including pasta, beans, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing flavor or heartiness. Plus, it’s versatile—you can cook it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot to suit your schedule. With a rich, savory broth and perfectly tender pasta, this soup is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal prep-friendly option, or a nourishing dish to share with loved ones, this Pasta Fagioli will not disappoint. Read on to learn how to make this delicious, restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients (Serves 6)
Soup Base:
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium if preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 15 oz canned tomato sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables & Seasonings:
- 1 cup onion, minced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (approximately 6 cloves)
- 1 cup carrots, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Beans & Pasta:
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (gluten-free if necessary, about 5 oz)
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes until shimmering.
- Add onions, garlic, and carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes until onions are softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, broth, water, and all the seasonings. Add the beans and mix well.
- Cover and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, remove the lid and lower the heat to medium.
- Add in the pasta and cook for half the time recommended on the package.
- Remove from heat and let the soup sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Discard the bay leaf, serve hot, and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Method:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil on the stovetop for 5 minutes, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the tomato sauce, broth, water, beans, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- In the last hour, add the pasta and stir well. (Alternatively, cook pasta separately and mix in before serving.)
- Discard the bay leaf and serve warm.
Instant Pot Method:
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Add onions, garlic, and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in beans, seasonings, broth, water, and tomato sauce. Do not stir after adding tomato sauce.
- Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.
- Perform a quick release and discard the bay leaf before stirring and serving.
Nutritional Information
This Pasta Fagioli is packed with plant-based protein from beans, making it a great vegetarian option. The combination of beans and pasta provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates and fiber, keeping you full longer. The broth and vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, while the olive oil adds healthy fats. For a lower-carb option, you can reduce the amount of pasta or replace it with zucchini noodles.
Dietary Considerations & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or replace it with quinoa.
- Lower Sodium: Opt for low-sodium broth and rinse canned beans thoroughly.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Additional Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but you can top it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
We’d love to hear how this Pasta Fagioli turned out for you! Did you try any fun variations? Maybe you made it in the slow cooker or added a unique twist? Leave a comment below and share this recipe with friends and family. Cooking is always better when we share ideas and experiences—so let’s keep the conversation going!
Enjoy your homemade Pasta Fagioli and happy cooking! 🍲