Hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup
Craving comfort? My Pasta Fagioli soup recipe is packed with flavour! This easy Italian classic uses simple ingredients for a soul-warming meal. Salt And Lavender Pasta Fagioli inside!

- Soup's On! Discovering Pasta Fagioli Perfection
- Hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Card
- Why You'll Love This Salt And Lavender Pasta Fagioli
- Getting Started: Your Ingredients List
- Essential Bits & Bobs for the Best Pasta Fagioli
- Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps
- Right, Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
- Secrets from the Pros: Top Tips
- Recipe Notes: All the Good Bits
- Frequently Asked Questions
Right then, let's talk soup, shall we? ever get that craving for something warm, comforting, and just plain good for the soul ? i know i do! and that's where my pasta fagioli soup recipe comes in.
It's basically italy in a bowl, proper comfort food, it is.
Soup's On! Discovering Pasta Fagioli Perfection
Honestly, where do i even begin with pasta e fagioli soup recipe ? this hearty soup has its roots in italy, of course, where it was traditionally a way to use up humble ingredients.
Think peasant food elevated to gourmet comfort. it's really easy to make, taking about an hour from start to finish.
This recipe will give you enough for 6-8 hungry souls. perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking for the week! it tastes like olive garden's pasta fagioli , but even better!
Hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin (15 ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup) (150g)
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup) (120g)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup) (110g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons) (6g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (1g)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (0.5g)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) (1.9L)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g)
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste (120ml)
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells) (100g)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
🥄 Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Why You'll Love This Salt And Lavender Pasta Fagioli
This is one of my favorite soups recipes because it's packed with goodness. beans are brilliant for fibre, keeping you feeling full and happy.
And the combination of veggies gives you a proper vitamin boost. it's a great way to sneak in some extra goodness, especially for fussy eaters.
Plus, this soup pasta fagioli is spot on for a chilly evening when you want something to warm you up from the inside out.
A true fall pasta soup recipes .
Getting Started: Your Ingredients List
Ready to dive in? here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. don't be scared off by the list, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
We need: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes(optional), 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1 (14.
5oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, 1 (15oz) can kidney beans, ½ cup tomato paste, 1 cup small pasta shapes (like ditalini), salt and pepper, fresh parsley, and parmesan for serving if you fancy.
Honestly, Pasta fagioli with spinach , a small twist I like to incorporate sometimes, adds an extra layer of flavour and nutrition.
Alright, let's talk Ingredients & Equipment for a soul-warming bowl of pasta fagioli soup ! Honestly, getting this part right is half the battle.
Essential Bits & Bobs for the Best Pasta Fagioli
My Nonna used to say, "The better the ingredients, the better the dish!" She was spot on! Let's break it down, shall we?
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's what you'll need, sharpish .
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Go for extra virgin – you can tell it’s good because it smells fruity, not just oily.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ). A yellow one's perfect.
- Carrots: 2 , diced (about 1 cup or 120g ). Crunchy and sweet.
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup or 110g ). That celery smell? Brings back childhood memories!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons or 6g ). Should smell pungent.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ). Fresh is great, but dried works a treat.
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon ( 1g ). Adds a sweet undertone.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.5g ) – optional unless you like it hot .
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: 8 cups ( 1.9L ). If you wanna make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can ( 14.5 ounce or 411g ). Undrained, please!
- Cannellini Beans: 1 can ( 15 ounce or 425g ), rinsed and drained . These are your creamy heroes .
- Kidney Beans: 1 can ( 15 ounce or 425g ), rinsed and drained . Adds a bit of colour and heartiness .
- Tomato Paste: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Makes it rich.
- Small Pasta: 1 cup ( 100g ) – ditalini, elbows, or small shells . Pasta in soup is always a winner!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste . Don't be shy!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish . The little green sprinkles of happiness!
- Grated Parmesan: Optional, for serving . Go on, treat yourself. A light dusting of parmesan is perfect for this Fall Pasta Soup Recipes.
Seasoning Shenanigans (aka Spice It Up!)
This isn't just about salt and pepper, you know?
- Essential Combo: Oregano and basil. Trust me, it's classic Italian!
- Flavor Booster: Red pepper flakes. Just a pinch if you're not brave.
- Aromatic Ace: Garlic. Freshly minced is always best, if you can't be bothered, lazy garlic is fine.
- Substituting is key, sometimes you can't find the perfect spice.
Gear You Need (and Cheats!)
No fancy stuff needed. Unless you want to!
- Big Pot or Dutch Oven: Something with a lid!
- Cutting Board and Knife: Obvious, innit?
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy, darling .
- Ladle: For serving like a pro.
- Household Hack: Got no ladle? Use a big spoon!
Honestly, the pasta fagioli soup at olive gardens pasta fagioli doesn't even come close to what you can create at home with these ingredients.
So skip ordering and give this pasta e fagioli soup recipe a go, you won't regret it. this is one of my favorite soups recipes ! especially with a sprinkle of salt and lavender pasta fagioli you can't go wrong with this recipe.
And hey, throwing in a handful of pasta fagioli with spinach never hurt anyone!
Alright, let’s get stuck in! so, you fancy a hearty bowl of comfort? let's talk pasta fagioli soup . it's the kind of meal that reminds you of grandma's cooking, even if your grandma wasn't italian! you know? it's just… soul food.
This pasta fagioli soup recipe is a belter, honestly.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps
First things first: mise en place , darling! it’s just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff ready". chop your veg – one medium yellow onion, two carrots, two celery stalks.
Mince two cloves of garlic. open your cans – a can of diced tomatoes, a can of cannellini beans and a can of kidney beans.
Everything ready to go. and listen, don't go trying to be a hero. if you're clumsy like me, maybe give those knives a bit of respect, yeah?
Super Speedy Prep Tips
Honestly, pre-chopped veg is a lifesaver if you're in a rush. No judgement here! Just remember to check the use-by date, yeah?
Right, Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Chuck in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes until they soften up a bit.
- Stir in your minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon dried basil , and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of a kick). Cook for another minute – your kitchen should smell amazing by now.
- Add in the can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup tomato paste , your cannellini and kidney beans, and 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or veg broth if you're that way inclined). Give it a good stir.
- Bring the whole shebang to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer away for at least 20 minutes . This is where the magic happens – flavours get all friendly with each other.
- Stir in 1 cup small pasta shapes – ditalini or elbow macaroni are spot on. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8- 10 minutes , until the pasta is al dente .
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Devour!
Secrets from the Pros: Top Tips
Honestly, using good quality broth is a game-changer for the pasta fagioli soup . and don't overcook the pasta – nobody likes mushy pasta.
Save some broth and blend a cup of the beans for a creamier texture. it's proper lush, that is!
Things to Avoid
Burning the garlic. it happens to the best of us, but burnt garlic is a no-go. low and slow is the name of the game.
Some people like to add pasta fagioli with spinach , its totally up to you!.
Making it Ahead
This soup pasta fagioli is even better the next day, honestly! just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently.
It makes it one of the favorite soups recipes to batch cook!
My mum used to make this all the time when i was a kid. honestly, it's one of those dishes that just brings back happy memories.
I've tried different variations over the years ( salt and lavender pasta fagioli , anyone? okay, maybe not!), but this simple version is always a winner.
So, there you have it! go on, give it a go! even if you mess it up, it'll still taste pretty good.
And if you fancy something a bit different, there are loads of fall pasta soup recipes to try.

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of this beautiful pasta fagioli soup recipe! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your soup game from "meh" to "magnifico"!
Recipe Notes: All the Good Bits
Honestly, this Salt And Lavender Pasta Fagioli is one of my favorite soups recipes , especially when the weather turns a bit rubbish.
Serving Up Some Deliciousness
So, you've got this amazing pasta fagioli soup bubbling away. how do you make it look as good as it tastes? think rustic! ladle that soup pasta fagioli into a bowl and give it a generous drizzle of olive oil.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley always adds a pop of colour.
Fancy a side? some crusty bread for dunking is a must. honestly, who can resist soaking up all that lovely broth? a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a winner too.
Think about a nice glass of italian red wine. a light-bodied chianti would be perfect!
Storage Savvy
Right, let's talk leftovers. The pasta fagioli soup will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing it? yeah, you can, but the pasta might get a bit soft when you reheat it. i recommend cooking the pasta separately if you plan on freezing it.
Then, just add it to the reheated soup. reheating is easy-peasy. just warm it up on the stove over medium heat until it's piping hot! easy, right?
Tweaking the Recipe
Want to mix things up a bit? go for it! for a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Easy peasy. if you want to add some pasta fagioli with spinach , just toss some in during the last few minutes of cooking.
For a bit of a fall pasta soup recipes twist, try adding some roasted butternut squash. talk about delicious!
Nailing the Nutrition
Each serving of this pasta fagioli soup has about 320 calories. You also get 18g of protein, 8g of fat, 50g of carbs, and a whopping 12g of fiber!.
Hey, the great thing about it is that is high in fiber! perfect for your gut health. plus, it's packed with vitamins and minerals from all those veggies and beans.
It tastes so good!
Making pasta e fagioli soup recipe should be fun and easy! don't be scared to experiment with the ingredients. hopefully, now you know how to make this soup, pasta in soup , tastes amazing and is proper nutritious.
Get in the kitchen and start cooking this dish, very similiar to the pasta fagioli olive garden
You know? You've totally got this! Give this Olive Gardens Pasta Fagioli inspired recipe a go. I'm betting that you'll add it to your favourite soups recipes ! Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover pasta fagioli soup, and how long will it last?
Like a good cup of tea, pasta fagioli soup is even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will happily keep for 3-4 days. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it up, a bit like reviving a tired cuppa with a drop of hot water.
Can I make pasta fagioli soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adapted for vegetarians and vegans. Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, ensuring it's a good quality one for maximum flavour. Also, be mindful of parmesan cheese garnish, and skip it or use a plant-based alternative to keep the dish completely plant-based – bish bash bosh, done!
Why does my pasta get mushy in the pasta fagioli soup?
Nobody wants mushy pasta; it's a culinary tragedy! To avoid this, add the pasta to the soup towards the end of the cooking time, following the package instructions for al dente. Also, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup just before serving if you plan on making a large batch ahead of time – think of it as prepping for a posh dinner party, everything timed to perfection!
What can I add to pasta fagioli soup to make it even more flavourful?
If you're looking to boost the flavour of your pasta fagioli soup, try adding a rind of Parmesan cheese to the pot while it simmers—it's an umami bomb! A splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavours, too. Alternatively, consider incorporating small amounts of richer ingredients like bacon, or italian sausage for a deep and complex flavor profile. You could also try adding fresh herbs to the dish just before serving.
I'm short on time; can I make pasta fagioli soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Crikey, yes you can! For a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients except the pasta. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes. For an Instant Pot, sauté the aromatics using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except the pasta and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release, stir in the pasta, and cook for a few minutes until pasta is cooked.
Can I freeze pasta fagioli soup?
Freezing pasta fagioli soup is possible, but be mindful that the pasta's texture might change slightly after thawing. To mitigate this, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it only after thawing and reheating the soup. Freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months, ensuring you leave some room for expansion. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
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