Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) cannellini beans (or any white beans), drained and rinsed
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (100g) small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup (60g) fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beans, broth, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Add Spinach (Optional):
- In the last minute of cooking, stir in the spinach if you’re using it. Let it wilt into the soup.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping—because, let’s be real, that’s the best part!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Feel free to swap in different beans, like kidney beans or chickpeas, if you prefer.
- Use a small pasta shape to mimic the traditional texture.
DON’T:
- Forget the Parmesan—it’s the finishing touch that brings everything together!
- Skip the simmer time—it’s what lets all the flavors meld and develop richness.
Pro Tips:
- For a richer soup, add a splash of olive oil at the end and stir it in for a silky texture.
- If you want a creamy version, mash some of the beans before adding them to the soup. It thickens the broth beautifully!
This Pasta Fagioli is the ultimate cozy dish, with a perfect balance of hearty vegetables, savory broth, and tender pasta. It’s the kind of soup that’ll have you going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. 🍝🥄🍅
