Pasta E Fagioli

Pasta E Fagioli is a easy Italian recipe that serves 6. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Chelsea on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $12.33 total, $2.06 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery Stalks (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Zucchini (cut into half‑moon pieces)
  • 1 cup Green Beans (trimmed and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes (14‑oz, undrained)
  • 1 can Cannellini Beans (15‑oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Small Pasta Shapes (such as ditalini or small shells)
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (blend of dried herbs)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Dice the onion, carrots, and celery; mince the garlic; cut the zucchini into half‑moon pieces; trim and slice the green beans.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat olive oil in the large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 4‑5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Add Remaining Vegetables and Broth

    Stir in zucchini, green beans, canned tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  4. Simmer and Add Beans

    Reduce to a simmer and add the drained cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: low simmer

  5. Cook Pasta

    Add the small pasta shapes to the soup and cook according to package directions, about 8 minutes, until al dente.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

    Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Adjust final salt and pepper.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Serve

    Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional garnish: extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
7g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
4g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by omitting Parmesan

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Pasta E Fagioli

Recipe by Chelsea

A hearty, vegetable‑packed copycat of Olive Garden's classic Minestrone soup. Light broth, protein‑rich beans, and pasta make it a satisfying comfort bowl that rivals the restaurant version.

EasyItalianServes 6

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

Source Video
10m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.33
Total cost
$2.06
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté aromatics until softened
  • Add pasta at the end to prevent overcooking
  • Season at the end for balanced flavor

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts or pot holders when handling the hot pot
  • Be careful when chopping raw vegetables – keep fingers tucked away

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Minestrone soup in Italian cuisine?

A

Minestrone is a traditional Italian vegetable soup that originated as a peasant dish, using whatever seasonal produce was on hand. It embodies the Italian philosophy of simple, wholesome cooking and varies regionally across Italy.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Minestrone soup in Italy?

A

Northern versions often include beans and potatoes, while southern recipes may feature tomatoes, zucchini, and sometimes rice. Some regions add pasta, others use barley, reflecting local harvests and staple grains.

cultural
Q

How is Olive Garden's Minestrone soup traditionally served in the United States?

A

At Olive Garden, the soup is served hot in a shallow bowl, often accompanied by a side of grated Parmesan and a slice of focaccia. It is presented as a starter or a light lunch option.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Minestrone soup traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Minestrone is commonly enjoyed as a comforting everyday meal, but it also appears at family gatherings and holiday feasts when a warm, nourishing starter is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes this Olive Garden Minestrone soup copycat special compared to other restaurant versions?

A

This copycat balances a light broth with generous vegetables and protein‑rich beans, while still delivering the familiar heartiness of Olive Garden's version. The addition of fresh spinach and Parmesan at the end adds brightness and depth.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Olive Garden Minestrone soup at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy, and under‑seasoning the broth. Also, adding too much liquid can dilute flavor; keep the broth ratio balanced.

technical
Q

Why does this Minestrone soup recipe add the pasta near the end instead of at the beginning?

A

Adding pasta later prevents it from becoming overcooked during the long simmer, ensuring a pleasant al dente texture that holds up when the soup is reheated or stored.

technical
Q

Can I make this Olive Garden Minestrone soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Olive Garden Minestrone soup?

A

The broth should be clear yet flavorful, with bright red‑orange hues from the tomatoes. Vegetables should be tender but not mushy, and the pasta should be firm to the bite.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chelsea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chelsea focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often recreating popular restaurant dishes with step‑by‑step guidance for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

Chelsea emphasizes quick, ingredient‑friendly versions of classic Italian dishes, using common pantry items and clear visual cues, whereas many other channels may focus on traditional techniques or gourmet presentations.

channel
Q

What other Italian recipes is the YouTube channel Chelsea known for?

A

Chelsea is known for copycat recipes such as Chicken Alfredo, Classic Margherita Pizza, and Tiramisu, as well as everyday meals like Spaghetti Carbonara and Bruschetta.

channel

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