Introduction
Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty Italian-American classic. It features tender pasta, beans, vegetables, and a savory tomato broth—perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Optional: grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Use small shapes that hold well in soup.
- Beans: Cannellini, great northern, or kidney beans work well.
- Broth: Chicken broth adds richness; vegetable broth makes it vegetarian.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, oregano, and basil.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Beans
- Add drained beans. Simmer 10 minutes to combine flavors.
- Cook Pasta
- Add pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually 7–10 minutes) until tender.
- Season & Serve
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
💡 Tips
- Do not overcook pasta; it can become mushy.
- Make ahead: Cook soup without pasta and add pasta just before serving.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
- Meaty Version: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or diced ham.
- Extra Veggies: Include zucchini, spinach, or kale for added nutrition.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cashew cream for a richer soup.
