Introduction:

Pasta Fagioli, or “pasta and beans,” is a classic Italian comfort dish that combines simple ingredients to create a hearty, flavorful soup. With a rich history rooted in Italian peasant cuisine, this dish has evolved to become a favorite in households around the world. It’s warm, filling, and packed with wholesome ingredients like beans, vegetables, and pasta, making it perfect for cooler days or anytime you’re craving something comforting. Whether you choose spicy or sweet Italian sausage, this recipe will bring robust flavors to your table.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound spicy or sweet Italian sausage (your choice)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern Beans (with liquid)
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 sprigs rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta or other small pasta shape
Freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1:
In a large, deep pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 2:
Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly and the onions become translucent. This vegetable mixture is called soffritto in Italian cooking and forms the base flavor of the soup.

Step 3:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4:
Pour in the two cans of Great Northern Beans, including their liquid, and add the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir to combine all the ingredients, then pour in the chicken broth and add the finely chopped rosemary leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5:
Once the soup reaches a boil, stir in the ditalini pasta (or your choice of small pasta). Lower the heat to medium and allow the pasta to cook for about 8 minutes or until it is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6:
After the pasta has cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Step 8:
Enjoy your delicious homemade Pasta Fagioli with crusty bread on the side for dipping into the savory broth!

Cooking Note:

You can substitute the Great Northern Beans with cannellini beans or navy beans if preferred.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This dish can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the ditalini pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Pasta Fagioli with warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping into the rich, savory broth. You can also add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette on the side to complement the heartiness of the soup. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil on top of the soup just before serving can add a luxurious finish.

Tips:

For added richness, stir in a small handful of freshly grated Parmesan into the soup itself while it’s still on the stove.
This soup thickens as it sits, so if you’re serving it later or reheating leftovers, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a spicy kick.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information: (Per serving)

Calories: 400
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion:

This Homemade Pasta Fagioli is a delicious, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Packed with protein-rich beans, flavorful sausage, and comforting pasta, this dish is not only filling but also offers rich Italian flavors in every bite. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal to share with family and friends. The best part? This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers!

Homemade Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound spicy or sweet Italian sausage (your choice)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern Beans (with liquid)
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 sprigs rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta or other small pasta shape
Freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions