Description
Craving a comforting, Italian-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and easy to whip up? Easy Pasta Fagioli combines tender ditalini pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a rich tomato broth infused with vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Easy Pasta Fagioli uses pantry staples for a flavorful, satisfying soup. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables.
- 1 carrot, diced: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 stalk celery, diced: Provides savory crunch.
- 1 thin slice onion, diced: Contributes subtle depth.
- ½ teaspoon chopped garlic: Infuses aromatic flavor.
- 4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy base.
- 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth: Adds savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings herbal freshness.
- ½ tablespoon dried basil leaves: Enhances with warm, aromatic notes.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta: Small pasta perfect for soup.
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creamy texture and protein.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cannellini Beans: Provide creaminess and protein for heartiness.
- Ditalini Pasta: Small shape holds up well in soup.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy broth.
- Vegetables and Herbs: Build a savory, aromatic foundation.
Substitutions and Variations
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or butter.
- Carrot/Celery/Onion: Use ½ cup pre-chopped mirepoix mix or ½ teaspoon each onion and celery powder.
- Garlic: Replace with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Tomato Sauce: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce (adjust seasoning if needed).
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for vegetarian or gluten-free broth for gluten-free.
- Parsley/Basil: Use 1 tablespoon fresh parsley and ½ tablespoon fresh basil, or swap with oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Ditalini Pasta: Replace with small shells, orzo, or gluten-free small pasta.
- Cannellini Beans: Swap with navy beans, great northern beans, or kidney beans.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and ensure pasta is egg-free.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and broth.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Pasta Fagioli: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Meaty Pasta Fagioli: Stir in ½ cup cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
- Cheesy Pasta Fagioli: Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan before serving.
- Veggie-Packed Fagioli: Add ½ cup diced zucchini or spinach with the beans.
- Herb-Infused Fagioli: Include 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary with the herbs.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, 1 slice onion, ½ teaspoon garlic, 4 cans tomato sauce, 1 can chicken broth, 1 tablespoon parsley, ½ tablespoon basil, black pepper, 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta, 1 can cannellini beans.
- Dice carrot, celery, and onion; chop garlic; rinse and drain beans.
Tip: Prep vegetables in advance to save time; use a food processor for quick dicing.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced carrot, celery, and onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ½ teaspoon chopped garlic; sauté briefly, about 30 seconds.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; vegetables should be soft but not browned.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
- Stir in 4 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce, 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, ½ tablespoon dried basil, and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer; cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Simmer gently to blend flavors; taste and adjust seasoning halfway through.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta; cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Tip: Check pasta early to avoid overcooking; rinse briefly to stop cooking if not adding to soup immediately.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add drained cannellini beans and cooked pasta to the soup; simmer until heated through, 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot, about 1 ½ cups per serving, with crusty bread or a Parmesan sprinkle.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta; serve immediately for the best texture.