Ah yes 😄—Pasta e Fagioli (also called Pasta Fagioli or Pasta Fazzoli) is a classic Italian hearty soup with pasta and beans. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect any time of year. Here’s a full authentic recipe:
🍲 Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta Fagioli / Pasta Fazzoli)
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium carrot, diced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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1 can (15 oz / 400 g) cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked beans)
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4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried thyme
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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½ cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
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Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
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Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add beans and tomatoes
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Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Cook 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
3. Add broth and simmer
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Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Cook pasta
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Add small pasta to the soup and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
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Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
5. Finish and serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Stir in fresh parsley or basil if desired.
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Serve hot with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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Thicker soup: mash a few beans before adding pasta, or simmer longer to reduce broth.
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Meaty version: add pancetta, bacon, or Italian sausage in step 1.
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Quick version: use canned pasta beans for speed.
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Creamy twist: add a splash of cream or milk at the end for richness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Crusty bread or garlic bread
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Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
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Optional: sprinkle crushed red pepper for a little heat
If you want, I can also give a “slow cooker Pasta e Fagioli” version where everything simmers together all day for a super flavorful, hands-off soup