Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Few dishes embody comfort quite like Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup. Known in Italy as pasta e fagioli, which translates to “pasta and beans,” this rustic soup is the definition of hearty home cooking. This version features lean ground turkey or chicken sausage, tender vegetables, a blend of savory herbs, and two types of beans simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s a filling, nutrient-dense, and delicious one-pot meal that brings authentic Italian flavor to your kitchen.

Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to batch-cook for meal prep, this soup delivers on both taste and practicality. With a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and comforting flavor, it’s no surprise that this soup is a staple in many Italian-American households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Nutrition: With lean sausage, beans, and vegetables, it’s high in protein and fiber.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easy to adapt for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple steps.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for batch cooking and meal prep.
• Deep, Savory Flavor: Layered herbs and slow-simmered ingredients create a rich, comforting taste.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools ensures a smoother cooking process and enhances the final flavor and texture.

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Needed for browning sausage and simmering the soup evenly.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For finely chopping vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula: Ideal for stirring without damaging your cookware.
• Fine Grater or Microplane: To freshly grate Parmigiano-Reggiano for maximum flavor.
• Ladle: For easy serving.

Each of these tools contributes to efficiency and consistency, helping achieve the ideal texture and balance of flavors.

Preparation Tips

• Mise en Place: Chop all your vegetables and measure out spices before starting. This ensures a smooth cooking experience.
• Uniform Dicing: Cutting carrots, onions, and celery evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Rush the Sauté: Cooking the aromatics thoroughly builds flavor. Let the onions turn slightly golden before moving to the next step.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the soup continues to sit in hot broth, slightly undercooked pasta prevents mushiness later.

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you need for this comforting Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup:

Proteins

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound mild or spicy ground turkey or chicken sausage, casings removed

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery ribs, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Base

• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Pasta and Toppings

• 1 cup (4 oz) dried elbow macaroni or ditalini
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
2. Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
   Add onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Sauté for about 6 minutes until vegetables soften.
3. Add Garlic
   Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Broth
   Add chicken broth, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Pasta
   Stir in pasta and simmer for 9–10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Finish the Soup
   Remove and discard bay leaves. Stir in Parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick, thin with more broth or water.
7. Serve
   Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and optional red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is best enjoyed hot, ladled generously into deep bowls. This hearty soup shines with simple but thoughtful garnishes and sides that enhance its rustic charm.

• Top with Fresh Herbs
  Add chopped Italian parsley or fresh basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Drizzle with Olive Oil
  A touch of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth.
• Finish with Cheese
  Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is a must. Sprinkle it generously over the hot soup.
• Serve with Crusty Bread
  A slice of toasted sourdough or ciabatta helps soak up the flavorful broth.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes
  For a little kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over each bowl.

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a main course, but pairing it with complementary sides can round out the meal beautifully.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple dish like Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup has a few pitfalls. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures better texture, flavor, and consistency every time.

• Overcooking the Pasta
  This is the most frequent issue. Always cook pasta just until al dente and remove the soup from heat immediately after.
• Adding All Herbs at the Beginning
  Fresh herbs like parsley should be added at the end to retain their brightness. Dried herbs like rosemary and thyme benefit from longer simmering.
• Not Rinsing Canned Beans
  The liquid in canned beans is starchy and can muddy the broth’s clarity. Rinse and drain beans before using.
• Skipping the Browning Step
  Browning sausage develops deep, caramelized flavor. Don’t rush this step or skip it entirely.
• Overcrowding the Pot
  If doubling the recipe, make sure your pot is large enough. Too many ingredients crammed together can prevent proper simmering.
• Neglecting to Adjust Consistency
  Pasta and beans absorb liquid as the soup sits. Before serving or reheating, check the consistency and add broth if needed.

---

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Perfecting Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup lies in mastering technique and ingredient balance. Here are expert ways to elevate your soup:

• Start with a Flavor Base
  A proper mirepoix (onions, carrots, and celery) sautéed until soft sets the foundation for flavor. Don’t skip or rush this stage.
• Use High-Quality Broth
  Homemade or low-sodium broth gives you control over seasoning and contributes to a richer base.
• Choose the Right Sausage
  Mild sausage lets the herbs shine, while spicy sausage adds bold, robust notes. Either works based on your preference.
• Add Beans at the Right Time
  Add them early enough to absorb flavor but not so early they break down completely.
• Let the Soup Rest Before Serving
  Letting the soup sit for 10–15 minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld and develop further.

---

Side Dish Recommendations

Though this soup is satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with Italian-inspired side dishes that add texture and contrast to your meal.

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, garlic bread is the perfect match. Brush with garlic butter and toast until golden brown.

2. Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and crisp romaine offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.

3. Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light, cold side to balance the hot soup.

4. Bruschetta

Toasted baguette topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds brightness and crunch.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Try oven-roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and herbs to add nutrition and color to the table.

6. Polenta Fries

These crispy golden sticks offer a satisfying, slightly creamy texture and an Italian-inspired twist on a classic fry.

7. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic vinegar add a tangy, caramelized side dish that pairs well with tomato-based soups.

8. Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, pull-apart breadsticks topped with mozzarella or Parmesan complete the comforting feel of the meal.

Recipe Tips for the Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

Crafting the best Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup requires more than just quality ingredients. Small adjustments and expert techniques can elevate your soup from good to exceptional.

• Use Fresh Herbs Whenever Possible
  Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring brighter, deeper flavor than dried versions. If using dried, reduce quantities slightly.
• Brown the Sausage Thoroughly
  Don’t rush the browning step. A golden-brown sausage base creates rich, savory depth in the soup.
• Layer Flavors Gradually
  Add herbs and garlic after vegetables have softened. This keeps them from burning and helps their aromas bloom.
• Watch the Pasta Closely
  Pasta continues to cook after the heat is off. Cook until just al dente, then remove from heat to prevent over-softening.
• Add Cheese at the End
  Stir in freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano off the heat. It melts smoothly without curdling or losing flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Knowing how to properly store and reheat Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup will preserve both its texture and taste.

Refrigeration

• Storage Time: Up to 4–5 days in the refrigerator
• How to Store: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers
• Tip: Store the pasta separately if you anticipate leftovers, to prevent it from soaking up all the broth

Freezing

• Best Practice: Freeze the soup without pasta, as frozen pasta becomes mushy when thawed
• How to Freeze: Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave room for expansion.
• Shelf Life: Up to 3 months

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding broth or water as needed to loosen the soup
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat
• Important Note: Reheating too quickly or too long can cause the pasta to break apart

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “Pasta Fagioli” mean?

Pasta e Fagioli translates to “pasta and beans” in Italian. It’s a traditional rustic dish originating from central and southern Italy, known for being affordable, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes. To make a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

What’s the best pasta for this soup?

Short pasta works best. Ditalini and elbow macaroni are most common, but small shells or mini penne are good alternatives. Avoid large or long pasta shapes—they overpower the soup’s texture.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook pasta until just al dente and remove the soup from heat immediately. For meal prep or freezing, cook pasta separately and add it in only when serving.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they must be fully cooked before adding. Dried beans need to be soaked overnight and boiled until tender. Adjust the soup’s liquid content accordingly, as dried beans will absorb more moisture.

What can I do if the soup is too thick?

Add more broth or water a little at a time while reheating. The pasta and beans continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits, so thinning it before serving brings back the original consistency.

Is this soup spicy?

Not inherently. The level of spice depends on the sausage used. Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Conclusion

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup is the kind of recipe that blends tradition with practicality. It’s deeply flavorful, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner, a meal prep solution, or to freeze for busy weeks ahead, this soup checks every box for comfort and convenience.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. With quality ingredients, proper technique, and attention to detail, you’ll have a hearty Italian classic ready to serve in just under an hour.

For more comforting dishes, check out our guides to slow-cooked Tuscan soups or our roundup of easy weeknight dinners. And don’t forget to save this recipe or share it with friends who love homemade Italian meals.