Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe by Nick Stellino Best Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe by Nick Stellino Best Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a medium Italian recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick Stellino on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 37 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min

Cost: $12.86 total, $2.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (pinch, adjust to heat preference)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced, not chopped)
  • 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (finely chopped)
  • 0.5 Yellow Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 0.5 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 12 ounces Italian Spicy Sausage (casings removed, broken into bite‑size pieces)
  • 0.5 cup White Wine (dry, such as Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce (no added herbs)
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 2 15‑ounce cans Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (uncooked)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Add Heat

    Add olive oil to the pot and warm over medium heat. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes and stir for a few seconds.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  2. Sauté Garlic

    Add the thinly sliced garlic to the oil and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Do not let it brown.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Build the Mirepoix

    Add diced carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Add Fresh Herbs

    Stir in the chopped rosemary and thyme and cook for another minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Bell Peppers

    Add the diced yellow and green bell peppers. Sauté until they soften and become slightly translucent, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Brown the Sausage

    Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Deglaze with Wine

    Pour in the white wine, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Simmer until the wine reduces by about half, roughly 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Add Tomato Sauce and Stock

    Stir in the tomato sauce and chicken stock. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high then medium‑high

  9. Add Beans and Pasta

    Add the drained cannellini beans and the uncooked ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to medium‑high and simmer, uncovered, for 10‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the soup has thickened.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  10. Season and Serve

    Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and optionally top with grated Parmesan.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains pork, Not vegetarian, Not vegan

Allergens: Wheat (pasta), Pork (sausage), Dairy (optional Parmesan)

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe by Nick Stellino Best Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Recipe by Nick Stellino

A comforting Italian bean soup packed with cannellini beans, spicy Italian sausage, vegetables, and ditalini pasta. Perfect for cold winter evenings, this one‑pot dish combines the flavors of a classic meat sauce with the heartiness of a bean soup.

MediumItalianServes 6

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

Source Video
3m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.86
Total cost
$2.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not let the garlic burn; it becomes bitter.
  • Reduce the wine until half evaporated to concentrate flavor.
  • Cook the pasta just until al dente; overcooking makes it mushy.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans; do not use the bean liquid.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns; handle with care.
  • Alcohol vapors from wine can ignite; keep flame sources away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Pasta e Fagioli is a classic comfort dish that dates back to peasant cooking in Italy, where beans and pasta were combined to create a filling, inexpensive meal that could stretch a small amount of meat for the whole family.

cultural
Q

How does Pasta e Fagioli differ between northern Italy (pasta fagioli) and southern Italy (pasta fazool)?

A

In the north the soup often uses smaller pasta shapes and a lighter broth, while the south (especially in New‑York Italian-American tradition) may feature larger beans, a richer tomato base, and sometimes a heartier sausage.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of Pasta e Fagioli exist in Italy?

A

In Tuscany the soup may include kale and pancetta, in Rome it often uses borlotti beans and pecorino cheese, and in Sicily a touch of saffron or fennel seeds is sometimes added for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

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

A

Pasta e Fagioli is commonly served as a first course (primo) during family gatherings, especially in winter months, and is a staple at Sunday lunches and holiday meals when a warm, nourishing dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic Italian Pasta e Fagioli versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include cannellini or borlotti beans, Italian sausage, extra‑virgin olive oil, garlic, carrots, celery, tomato sauce, and a splash of dry white wine. Substitutes can be made with other white beans, chicken sausage, or vegetable stock for a lighter version.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Pasta e Fagioli?

A

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, crusty Italian bread, and a glass of Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio complement the hearty flavors of Pasta e Fagioli beautifully.

cultural
Q

What makes Pasta e Fagioli special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the harmonious marriage of beans, pasta, and sausage in a single pot, delivering protein, carbs, and vegetables together, embodying the Italian principle of simple, rustic, and satisfying cooking.

cultural
Q

How has Pasta e Fagioli evolved over time in Italian-American cooking?

A

Italian‑American versions often add more tomato sauce, use larger pasta shapes like ditalini, and incorporate spicy sausage, reflecting the American palate’s love for bolder flavors while still honoring the original peasant roots.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include burning the garlic, adding the canned‑bean liquid (which can make the broth gritty), overcooking the pasta, and not reducing the wine enough, which leaves a harsh alcohol taste.

technical
Q

Why does this Pasta e Fagioli recipe use white wine instead of red wine or broth alone?

A

White wine adds acidity and depth without overpowering the delicate flavors of the beans and herbs; it deglazes the pot, lifts browned bits, and integrates the sausage and tomato base beautifully.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick Stellino specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick Stellino specializes in authentic Italian cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional family recipes, regional variations, and detailed technique explanations for home cooks.

channel

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