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Hearty Pasta Fagioli with White Beans

pasta fagioli with white beans - featured image

A comforting Italian soup featuring tender white beans, al dente pasta, and savory broth, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 3/4 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or small elbow macaroni)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add garlic, rosemary, and oregano in the last minute.
  3. Add canned diced tomatoes with juices and 6 cups broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
  4. Drain and rinse white beans. Blend about 1 cup of beans with a little broth until smooth, then return to the pot.
  5. Add remaining beans to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Cook pasta separately in boiling salted water until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  7. Stir cooked pasta into the soup and warm together for 2-3 minutes over low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Cook pasta separately to avoid mushiness. Blend some beans for creaminess without cream. Season gradually to avoid over-salting. Use fresh herbs if possible. Leftovers keep well; store pasta separately to maintain texture. Freeze soup without pasta for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta fagioli, white beans, Italian soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meal, family dinner