EASY Pasta Fagioli Recipe

EASY Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $6.07 total, $1.01 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra-virgin, for sautéing)
  • 1 large Celery Stalk (chopped into half‑moon pieces)
  • 3 large Carrots (peeled and cut into half‑moon or quarter‑moon pieces)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 6 Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced or pressed)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
  • 28 ounce Diced Tomatoes (canned, undrained)
  • 2 teaspoons Oregano (fresh or dried)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 6 cups Vegetable Stock (low‑sodium; chicken stock works too)
  • 2 Bay Leaves (fresh if possible; dried if not)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (plus to taste)
  • 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (dry; other small pasta shapes work)
  • 0.25 cup Parsley (fresh, chopped)
  • 15 ounce Red Kidney Beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 15 ounce Cannellini Beans (canned, drained and rinsed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mirepoix

    Chop the celery stalk, carrots, and onion into bite‑size pieces (half‑moon or quarter‑moon for carrots) and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat oil

    Add 3 Tbsp olive oil to the Dutch oven and heat over medium‑high heat until shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Sauté onions

    Add the diced onion to the hot oil and cook, stirring frequently, until the edges turn golden brown.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Add vegetables and garlic

    Stir in the chopped celery, carrots, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, making sure the garlic does not burn.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Add tomatoes and seasonings

    Pour in the 28‑oz can of diced tomatoes, add oregano, black pepper, bay leaves, and 1 tsp salt. Stir, then add 6 cups of vegetable stock. Bring the soup to a boil.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Cook the pasta

    Add 1 cup dry ditalini pasta to the boiling soup. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  7. Chop parsley

    While the pasta cooks, finely chop ¼ cup fresh parsley.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Add beans and finish simmering

    Drain and rinse the red kidney beans and cannellini beans. Add them to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes on medium‑low heat until heated through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  9. Finish and serve

    Remove the bay leaves, stir in the chopped parsley, and ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
40 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Beans

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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EASY Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

A comforting Italian soup packed with beans, vegetables, and ditalini pasta. This easy-to-make Pasta Fagioli is perfect for a cold day and can be customized with your favorite herbs and beans.

EasyItalianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
42m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.07
Total cost
$1.01
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the onions until golden for flavor depth.
  • Prevent garlic from burning by keeping heat moderate.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture.
  • Add beans after pasta so they stay intact.
  • Adjust seasoning before the final garnish.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns; handle the Dutch oven with oven mitts.
  • Boiling liquid splashes can cause serious burns; keep the lid slightly ajar when stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pasta Fagioli in Italian cuisine?

A

Pasta Fagioli, meaning "pasta and beans," originated as a peasant dish in Italy, using inexpensive pantry staples to create a nourishing soup. Over time, tomatoes and various beans from the Americas were incorporated, turning it into the hearty staple we know today.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pasta Fagioli in Italy?

A

In central Italy, especially Rome, the soup often features small ditalini pasta and cannellini beans with a tomato base. In the north, you may find added pancetta or a richer broth, while southern versions might include more garlic and chili for heat.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Pasta Fagioli traditionally served in Italy?

A

Traditionally, Pasta Fagioli is served hot in deep bowls, garnished with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, and a side of crusty bread. It is often enjoyed as a first course (primo) during lunch or dinner.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Pasta Fagioli associated with in Italian culture?

A

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting everyday meal but is also popular during family gatherings, especially in the cooler months, and is served at informal celebrations like birthday lunches or holiday brunches.

cultural
Q

How does Pasta Fagioli fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

The soup embodies the Italian culinary principles of simplicity, seasonality, and using pantry staples. It showcases the Italian love for legumes, pasta, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect example of cucina povera that has become a beloved comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pasta Fagioli versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include ditalini pasta, cannellini or borlotti beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and bay leaves. Substitutes can be other small pasta shapes, different beans like kidney or pinto, and dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Pasta Fagioli?

A

Pasta Fagioli pairs nicely with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, a slice of focaccia or ciabatta, and a glass of Chianti or a light white wine such as Vermentino.

cultural
Q

What makes Pasta Fagioli special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

Its combination of pasta and beans provides a complete protein, making it both hearty and nutritious. The soup’s flexibility—allowing variations in beans, herbs, and heat level—reflects the adaptable nature of Italian home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pasta Fagioli?

A

Common pitfalls include overcooking the pasta, which turns mushy, burning the garlic, which adds bitterness, and adding salt only at the end, which can leave the soup under‑seasoned. Also, be careful not to add too much stock, which dilutes flavor.

technical
Q

How do I know when Pasta Fagioli is done cooking?

A

The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender, the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite), and the beans are heated through. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, focuses on approachable, classic comfort foods with clear step‑by‑step tutorials, often highlighting easy shortcuts and variations for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes simplicity and flexibility, encouraging viewers to use store‑bought mirepoix or substitute ingredients while still preserving authentic flavor, whereas many other Italian channels stick strictly to traditional techniques and ingredients.

channel

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