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The Best Classic & Hearty Pasta Fagioli (Easy Stovetop Recipe)

A spoonful of rich pasta fagioli soup, showing elbow macaroni, kidney beans, and fresh parsley, lifted from a white bowl.
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Make this hearty Pasta Fagioli recipe, a classic Italian comfort food soup packed with tender pasta, creamy beans, and savory broth. It is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, omit for vegetarian)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or small elbow macaroni
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. If using meat, add the ground beef or sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Increase the heat slightly and add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash about 1/4 cup of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them in.
  8. Ladle the hearty Pasta Fagioli into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This soup is wonderful served with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian Pasta Fagioli, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. You can add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the herbs for a deeper flavor.
  • If you want a texture closer to the Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli copycat, use ground beef and a bit of tomato paste when browning the meat.
  • This recipe freezes well. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/best-classic-hearty-pasta-fagioli-recipe/