If you’ve never had Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup before, you’re in for a treat. This classic Italian recipe (pronounced pasta fazool) takes simple ingredients beans, pasta, tomatoes, and herbs and turns them into something deeply comforting. The first time I made it, it was one of those chilly evenings when I wanted something hearty but not too heavy. I threw everything into a pot, let it simmer slowly, and by the time dinner rolled around, the house smelled like an Italian kitchen garlic, basil, and tomato wafting through the air.
Now, this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup sits proudly next to my Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder and Marry Me Chicken Soup as one of our top family favorites. It’s warm, rich, and full of texture the kind of soup that fills you up and makes you feel instantly at home.
Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sausage (or ground beef) to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in kidney and cannellini beans, then add the pasta. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broth thickens slightly.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot with bread or rolls.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
This soup is the perfect blend of cozy and nutritious. It’s packed with veggies, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato base that’s both filling and satisfying. The balance of flavors — garlic, Italian herbs, and tender sausage — makes every spoonful comforting and bold.
If you love soul-warming meals like my Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup or Chicken Mushroom Soup, this Italian favorite will fit right in your comfort food lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
If you’re a fan of cozy, flavorful dishes like my Beef Lombardi Casserole or Creamy Beef Noodle Bake, this recipe gives you that same hearty satisfaction — just in soup form.
How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add sausage (or ground beef) to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta
Stir in kidney and cannellini beans, then add the pasta. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broth thickens slightly.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot with a slice of No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls.
If you enjoy rich tomato-based soups, this one has the same depth of flavor you’ll find in my Chicken Enchilada Soup — bold, satisfying, and completely crave-worthy.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup
- Use small pasta: It holds up best in broth and blends perfectly with beans.
- Don’t overcook: The pasta will continue to soften as the soup cools.
- For extra creaminess: Blend one cup of soup and stir it back in before serving.
- Add greens: Spinach or kale adds color and a nutritious boost.
These same tips help my Ham and Potato Chowder come out creamy and balanced every time.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Best to freeze without pasta — add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens.
If you like soups that reheat beautifully, my Pioneer Woman Loaded Potato Soup is another great choice to prep ahead.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Creamy Italian Style: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or Parmesan at the end.
- Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Tuscan Spinach Version: Add spinach or kale for an earthy finish.
Like my Snow Day Soup, this recipe is flexible and endlessly customizable — comfort food exactly how you like it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes! Canned beans are perfect and make this recipe quick and easy.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or shells hold up well without getting mushy.
3. Can I make Pasta Fagioli in a slow cooker?
Yes — brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients (except pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours, then stir in pasta 30 minutes before serving.
4. How can I make it thicker?
Mash a few beans in the pot or simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes.
The Final Bite
This Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is everything you love about classic Italian cooking — simple ingredients, big flavor, and pure comfort. It’s cozy, filling, and comes together with almost no fuss. Whether you’re serving it to family or making it ahead for the week, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth to your table.
Pair it with a slice of Christmas Bread Recipe or a crisp salad for a meal that feels like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.