Pasta Fagioli, meaning "pasta and beans" in Italian, is a traditional comfort dish rooted in rustic Italian cuisine. Known for its wholesome ingredients and hearty flavor, this soup-like pasta meal is popular for its simplicity and versatility. It’s beloved for being a cozy, one-pot meal that delivers rich taste with basic pantry staples. Whether made with vegetable or chicken broth, Pasta Fagioli remains a flavorful staple perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 3 garlic cloves (sliced)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp onion salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ lb pasta shells
- 28 oz cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
- Stir in broth, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, onion salt, and black pepper.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
- Stir in pasta shells.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–11 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Finish
- Stir in rinsed and drained cannellini beans.
- Cook until heated through.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion for a more traditional minestrone-style base.
- Substitute ditalini or elbow pasta for the shells.
- For a thicker soup, mash a small portion of the beans before adding.
- Add cooked Italian sausage for a heartier, protein-rich version.
- Drizzle extra olive oil on top before serving for richer flavor.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist.
- For vegetarian, ensure broth is vegetable-based.
- Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Finish with fresh basil or parsley for brightness.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
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Pasta Fagioli 8 servings 2 T EVOO 3 sliced cloves garlic 6 c. veggie or chicken broth 1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes 1 t. Italian seasoning ¼ t. onion salt ¼ t. bl. pepper Heat EVOO on med. hi heat. Add garlic, cook 1 min. Stir in broth, the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, onion salt & pepper. Bring to boil. Stir in ½ # pasta shells. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 10-11 min. Stir in 2-19 oz. cans cannellini beans (rinsed & drained). Cook 'til heated through. Serve w/shredded Parmesan. Just a note...
From Transcription to Instructions
We’re so glad you found this Pasta Fagioli note. The original recipe compresses the steps, heat oil, add garlic, stir in broth and tomatoes, bring to a boil, stir in ½# pasta shells and simmer 10–11 minutes, then add the drained beans, and our instructions simply unpack that into four clear steps: sauté, combine and simmer, cook the pasta, then add the beans and finish. That little change just makes the order and timing easier to follow while keeping the dish itself the same.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.2gSodium: 670mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2.8mg
