Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian soup that combines tender pasta, hearty beans, and a rich tomato broth. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly nights and is packed with protein and fiber. The addition of pancetta adds a savory, smoky richness, while the mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery builds a flavorful base. Cooking the pasta directly in the chicken stock enhances its flavor, making this a satisfying one-pot meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ⅓ cup diced pancetta (¼” dice)
– 1 cup diced white onion (¼” dice)
– ½ cup diced celery (¼” dice)
– ½ cup diced carrots (¼” dice)
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
– 4 cups unsalted chicken broth (more to thin out soup)
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup dried ditalini pasta
– 1 dried bay leaf
– 2 rosemary sprigs
– 15 ounces canned cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
– 15 ounces red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
– 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
– ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the pancetta and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to render some fat.
2. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped thyme and dried oregano, cooking for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the tomato paste and sauté for 30 seconds to develop its flavor. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, kosher salt, black pepper, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer over medium heat.
4. Add the cannellini beans, red kidney beans, and ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
5. Remove the rosemary sprigs and bay leaf. If the soup is too thick, add 1 to 2 cups of extra chicken broth to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrients

Per serving (1/6 of recipe):
– Calories: 440 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 66 g
– Protein: 23 g
– Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.02 g
– Cholesterol: 12 mg
– Sodium: 849 mg
– Potassium: 1254 mg
– Fiber: 12 g
– Sugar: 7 g
– Vitamin A: 2184 IU
– Vitamin C: 19 mg
– Calcium: 187 mg
– Iron: 7 mg

A Delicious Combination of Beans and Pasta

At the heart of Pasta Fagioli is the combination of beans and pasta. These two ingredients create the foundation of the dish, providing both texture and substance. The beans contribute protein and fiber, making the soup satisfying and nutritious. They also bring a creamy texture, especially when simmered for a long time in the broth, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients. The pasta, often small and tubular like ditalini, is perfectly suited to absorb the delicious broth and complement the beans.

The Flavorful Base of Vegetables

Pasta Fagioli is traditionally made with a flavor-packed base of vegetables known as a “mirepoix,” which typically includes onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables are finely diced and sautéed in olive oil to release their natural sweetness and flavor. Adding garlic, thyme, and oregano enhances the depth of the soup, while a touch of tomato paste brings a rich, umami-filled flavor to the dish. The aromatics from these vegetables form the backbone of the soup, making every spoonful aromatic and flavorful.

The Richness of Pancetta or Sausage

For those who enjoy a heartier version of Pasta Fagioli, pancetta or sausage is often added to the soup. Pancetta, which is Italian bacon, adds a savory, smoky richness that complements the mild beans and pasta. The fat rendered from the pancetta is used to sauté the vegetables, infusing the broth with even more flavor. Sausage, either Italian sweet or spicy, is another common addition that boosts the soup’s richness. The key is to balance the amount of meat added so that it enhances the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

A Savory Broth That Ties It All Together

The broth is a crucial element in Pasta Fagioli, as it ties together all of the ingredients and infuses the soup with flavor. Typically made from chicken or vegetable stock, the broth serves as the canvas for the dish’s taste. As the soup simmers, the flavors from the beans, vegetables, and meat meld together, creating a rich and savory base. Some variations of Pasta Fagioli call for adding a splash of white wine or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to infuse the broth with even more depth.

The key to the perfect broth is allowing it to simmer for a long enough period to develop rich flavors. As the beans cook in the broth, they absorb the seasonings and spices, creating a creamy, savory consistency. If the soup becomes too thick as it cooks, a bit of extra broth or water can be added to reach the desired consistency.

Variations of Pasta Fagioli

One of the beautiful things about Pasta Fagioli is its versatility. While there is a traditional version of the recipe, every Italian region—and even every family—has its own take on the dish. Here are some of the most popular variations:

1. Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli: The vegetarian version of this soup omits the meat, focusing instead on the beans, vegetables, and herbs. It can still be rich and flavorful, thanks to the depth of the tomato broth and the earthiness of the beans.

2. Pasta Fagioli with Sausage: This version adds crumbled Italian sausage for extra flavor and protein. The sausage adds a hearty, savory element that makes the soup even more filling.

3. Pasta Fagioli with Bacon or Pancetta: As mentioned earlier, pancetta or bacon is often added to the soup for its rich, smoky flavor. This version is perfect for those who enjoy the savory depth that cured meats bring to a dish.

4. Pasta Fagioli with Tomatoes: Some variations of the soup include a larger portion of diced tomatoes, giving the broth a tangier, more robust flavor. This version is often made with a combination of kidney beans and white beans.

5. Creamy Pasta Fagioli: For a richer texture, some recipes call for adding a bit of cream or milk toward the end of the cooking process. This gives the soup a velvety finish that is perfect for those who love a creamy consistency.

6. Pasta Fagioli with Pesto: Some cooks add a spoonful of pesto to the soup just before serving to provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the dish.

Nutritional Value of Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is not only a comforting and flavorful dish but also a nutritious one. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup filling and beneficial for digestive health. The addition of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, boosts the soup’s vitamin and mineral content, while the chicken or vegetable broth provides essential nutrients.

The beans in Pasta Fagioli are rich in iron, potassium, and folate, while the vegetables add valuable vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and various antioxidants. The soup also provides a good amount of calcium from the added parmesan cheese, which is often sprinkled on top just before serving. Depending on whether you choose to add meat, the protein content of the dish can vary, making it suitable for both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.

The Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Pasta Fagioli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a side dish for a larger Italian meal. Its warmth and comfort make it especially popular during the colder months, but it can be enjoyed year-round. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread, making it a well-rounded meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

This soup is also great for meal prepping. It can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for several days, or frozen for longer storage. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, so it’s a dish that only gets better with time.

Conclusion

Pasta Fagioli is much more than just a soup; it’s a dish that brings people together. With its hearty ingredients and rich, savory broth, it is a meal that satisfies both body and spirit. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or a family gathering dish, Pasta Fagioli is a timeless classic that will continue to be loved for generations to come. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect recipe to add to your regular cooking rotation.