If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty, and soul-warming dish that doesn’t take much effort to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! Pasta Fagioli-also known as "pasta e fagioli" in Italian-is a classic Italian soup that combines the goodness of pasta, beans, and vegetables into a rich, flavorful concoction. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl, especially on those cooler days when you crave something both satisfying and nourishing.
This particular recipe is a vegetarian version of Pasta Fagioli, keeping it light, yet still packed with flavor. The combination of beans and pasta in a savory broth makes it filling without being too heavy, and best of all, it’s made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking for something meat-free, this recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your meal rotation.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to cook something that will not only satisfy your hunger but also nourish you from the inside out.
Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pasta Fagioli can be made in countless variations, but the base ingredients stay relatively the same: pasta, beans, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Let’s break it down and create a version that’s perfect for vegetarians without sacrificing any of the heartiness or comfort this dish is known for.
Ingredients Needed
To make a flavorful vegetarian Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a base for the soup. It adds a rich, fruity flavor.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped. Onions are the base of the soup, giving it depth and sweetness when sautéed.
- Carrots: Diced. They add a subtle sweetness and a nice texture to the soup.
- Celery: Diced. Celery provides a fresh, slightly peppery note to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Minced. Garlic is an essential flavoring agent, adding a punch of umami.
- Canned cannellini beans: Two cans. These creamy, white beans are traditional in Pasta Fagioli and bring the dish its characteristic heartiness.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor, turning the broth a beautiful, warm red.
- Vegetable broth: The base of the soup. It’s important to use a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Ditalini pasta: This small, tubular pasta is the traditional choice for Pasta Fagioli. You can substitute it with any small pasta if you prefer.
- Bay leaves: A couple of bay leaves will infuse the broth with subtle herbal notes.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly lemony flavor to the mix.
- Salt & pepper: To taste. These are the basic seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish. It adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
Cooking Instructions
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. This brings out the depth of the garlic’s flavor.
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Build The Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
- Add in the vegetable broth, cannellini beans (with their liquid), and a couple of bay leaves. Stir to combine.
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Simmer The Soup
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop that rich, comforting taste.
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Cook The Pasta
- In a separate pot, cook the ditalini pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue to absorb liquid from the soup.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Finish The Soup
- After the soup has simmered, remove the bay leaves and stir in the cooked pasta. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
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Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan (optional for a vegetarian touch).
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The beauty of Pasta Fagioli lies in its simplicity, yet the ingredients are packed with nutritional benefits and interesting food science.
- Cannellini Beans: Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and important micronutrients like iron and magnesium. The creamy texture of cannellini beans helps give the soup its richness without the need for meat. Beans also contain resistant starch, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut, promoting digestive health.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. It also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Plus, it adds that luxurious mouthfeel that makes the soup feel indulgent without being heavy.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic contains compounds like allicin that have been linked to reducing inflammation and improving heart health. It’s also a flavor powerhouse that elevates any dish it’s added to.
- Pasta: While pasta itself is often viewed as a simple carbohydrate, it provides a steady energy source. Paired with beans and vegetables, pasta helps create a balanced meal that’s not only filling but also provides essential nutrients like B-vitamins and fiber.
Expert Tips
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. It adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the beans and vegetables beautifully. Just be sure to remove it before serving!
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the soup sits on the stove for a while, the pasta can absorb too much liquid and become mushy. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. This will ensure the perfect texture.
- Thicken the soup naturally: If you like a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the beans directly in the pot. This will give the broth a velvety texture without needing to add cream or other thickeners.
Recipe Variations
Pasta Fagioli is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Add greens: Stir in some fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking for added nutrients and color. The greens wilt perfectly into the soup and add a fresh, earthy flavor.
- Spicy version: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili along with the garlic. It’ll infuse the soup with a pleasant heat.
- Swap the beans: While cannellini beans are the traditional choice, you can substitute them with other beans like kidney beans, chickpeas, or even black beans for a different twist.
- Zucchini or squash: These vegetables can be added in place of-or alongside-carrots and celery for a different texture and mild flavor.
Final Words
This vegetarian Pasta Fagioli is a meal that brings the best of both worlds: it’s incredibly easy to make, yet packed with complex, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. And the best part? The leftovers only get better as the flavors deepen over time.
FAQs
What Is Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli?
Vegetarian pasta fagioli is a variation of the classic Italian soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables, but without any meat or meat-based broths. It’s typically made using white beans or kidney beans, along with ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs.
Can I Use Any Type Of Pasta For Pasta Fagioli?
While traditional pasta fagioli uses small pasta shapes such as ditalini, you can use other types like elbow macaroni, farfalle, or orecchiette. Just ensure that the pasta is small enough to cook evenly in the soup and not overwhelm the beans.
What Beans Are Best For Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli?
The most common beans used for vegetarian pasta fagioli are cannellini beans (white kidney beans) and borlotti beans. These beans provide a creamy texture and absorb the flavors of the soup. You can also use other varieties like great northern beans or chickpeas, depending on your preference.
Is Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Gluten-free?
Vegetarian pasta fagioli is not inherently gluten-free because it typically includes regular pasta made from wheat. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, which is widely available in most grocery stores.
Can I Make Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Ahead Of Time?
Yes, vegetarian pasta fagioli can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. If you plan to freeze it, make the soup without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when frozen. Add the pasta when reheating.
What Vegetables Can I Add To Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli?
In addition to the basic ingredients like carrots, onions, and celery, you can add other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, kale, or bell peppers. These vegetables complement the beans and add extra flavor and texture to the soup.
How Do I Make Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Taste Richer Without Using Meat?
To enrich the flavor of vegetarian pasta fagioli, you can use vegetable broth instead of water, sauté the vegetables with olive oil to bring out their sweetness, and add seasonings like dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also boost the savory taste.
Can I Use Canned Beans In My Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
Yes, canned beans are a convenient option for making vegetarian pasta fagioli. Just be sure to drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium. If you prefer, you can use dried beans, which will need to be soaked and cooked before adding them to the soup.
How Can I Make Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Spicier?
To add heat to your vegetarian pasta fagioli, consider adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use a spicier variety of beans, such as chili beans, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy flavor.
What Can I Serve With Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli?
Vegetarian pasta fagioli is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.