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This warm Italian Pasta Fagioli stew brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that really feels like a big comforting hug. Soft beans, tiny pasta, and fresh veggies swim in a tasty broth that fills your kitchen with cozy smells you won't want to miss.
I first cooked this one on a cold night when I just needed something warm and homey. It quickly turned into a go-to anytime we wanted something that felt like a cozy meal.
Needed Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil: gives a fruity, smooth start and helps soften your veggies
- Celery, carrots, and onion: classic soffritto trio for sweetness and flavor
- Fresh garlic: adds deep warm flavor—fresh cloves are the best
- Dried basil and oregano: give that earthy, herbal vibe—pick quality dried herbs
- Red pepper flakes: gentle heat to taste
- High-quality canned tomatoes: bring acidity and body
- Low-salt chicken or veggie broth: your soup’s savory base—homemade or store-bought
- Red kidney and cannellini beans: creamy protein—rinse canned beans to cut down the salt
- Small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni: adds fun bite—fresh if you can find it
- Salt and fresh black pepper: tune flavors to your liking
- Fresh Parmesan cheese: adds rich umami—aged Parmigiano Reggiano is best
- Chopped fresh parsley: bright green bursts for topping
Step-by-Step Cooking
This soup was my go-to during cold weekends when we all needed something homemade and cozy to warm us up.
Best Storage Advice
Keep leftovers in sealed containers in the fridge for up to four days. If you want your pasta to stay firm, keep it separate. You can freeze the soup without pasta for three months. Add fresh pasta when you heat it back up to keep it tasty.
Ingredient Swaps
Great Pairings
Seasonal Twists
Whether you’re after a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish for company, this Pasta Fagioli blends old-school charm with simple modern cooking. Every spoon brings a touch of Italy’s warm, simple soul right to your table.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What pasta shapes should I pick?
Go with tiny shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini. They scoop up the broth nicely and mix well with the beans and veggies.
- → Can I switch to vegetarian broth instead of meat?
Definitely. Using vegetable broth keeps the soup rich and tasty while making it vegetarian-friendly.
- → What do the herbs bring to the dish?
Dried oregano and basil add an earthy and fresh flavor that lifts the tomatoes' sweetness and deepens the bean taste.
- → Is it easy to change how spicy it is?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. You can leave them out or add more depending on how spicy you want it.
- → How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta on its own until just firm, then stir it in before serving. This helps it keep a nice texture.