Name: Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound mild or spicy ground turkey or chicken sausage (casings removed); 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 3 medium carrots, finely diced; 2 medium celery ribs, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 5 cups low sodium chicken broth; 14.5 ounces canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 14.5 ounces canned red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with their juices; 16 ounces tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme; 4 ounces (1 cup) dried pasta, such as elbow macaroni or ditalini; 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving; Crushed red pepper (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 62 reviews

If you're craving a comforting, hearty bowl of something that feels like a warm hug from an Italian nonna, then this Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This timeless classic blends tender beans, savory sausage, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich tomato broth that will make your kitchen smell incredible. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors all in one pot, the kind of dish that satisfies both your soul and your hunger in a way few others can.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white pot filled with a thick stew that has visible pieces of orange carrot slices, small chunks of cooked meat, and dark beans in a rich, brownish-orange broth. Above the pot, a woman's hand pours a mound of light yellow grated cheese from a small clear bowl, with the cheese gently falling and stacking up on one side of the stew. The pot is placed on a gas stove with metal burners, and the background features clean white tile walls with a white marbled countertop visible at the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe so amazing is its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, essential ingredients that come together to build a depth of flavor and a hearty texture. Each component plays its role, whether adding savory warmth, brightness, or creamy comfort.

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing and bringing all the flavors together with its fruity richness.

Ground turkey or chicken sausage: Adds a delicious protein punch and a hint of spice or mildness, depending on your preference.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and aromatics when cooked down.
Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a lovely color contrast.
Celery: Brings subtle earthiness and crunch.
Garlic: A must-have for that unmistakable savory depth.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup, light yet rich.
Cannellini beans: Creamy and tender, they add body and protein.

Red kidney beans: For texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: Bring brightness and richness in perfect harmony.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

Bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes during simmering.
Fresh rosemary and thyme: Provide fragrant earthiness and an herbal pop.
Dried pasta (like elbow macaroni or ditalini): Adds comforting chewiness to the soup.
Fresh Italian parsley: Brightens flavors with a fresh finish.
Parmigiano-Reggiano: A savory, nutty cheese that melts into the soup, enriching every bite.

Crushed red pepper (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a little heat.

How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for 4 to 5 minutes. This browning step builds a savory foundation that will flavor every spoonful of your Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Veggies

Next, toss in the diced onion, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Stir frequently and cook everything together for about 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This mixture not only adds layers of flavor but also gives your soup a beautiful texture.

Step 3: Garlic Goes In

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Garlic is a must-have in this soup, releasing its aroma and boosting the savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 4: Add Liquids, Beans, and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and toss in the bay leaves. Crank the heat to high until everything comes to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. This simmer melds flavors beautifully, and the beans start softening to add creaminess to the broth.

Step 5: Simmer the Pasta

Now stir in your dried pasta. Let the soup simmer for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente—tender but still with a firm bite. Watch the soup thicken during this stage as the pasta releases starch, creating a wonderfully hearty texture that’s signature to this Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaves and take the pot off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese—it melts right in, enriching the soup with a nutty, salty finish. If the soup feels too thick, simply add a little water or extra broth to loosen it to your desired consistency. Taste, then adjust salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a soup showing multiple layers of ingredients in a brothy orange base. Inside the soup, there are round orange carrot slices, dark red kidney beans, small pale yellow pasta rings, and chunks of light brown meat. The soup is garnished with finely chopped green herbs scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a gray textured cloth on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle a little more grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over each bowl for that irresistible cheesy finish. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is perfect if you like adding a bit of heat to balance the soup’s richness. Don’t forget a fresh sprig of parsley for a cheerful green pop and freshness.

Side Dishes

This soup shines beautifully alongside a crusty loaf of Italian bread or warm focaccia—perfect for soaking up every flavorful drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the hearty nature of the soup, bringing a refreshing contrast to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic vibe, serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on top. You could even turn it into a fun family-style meal by ladling it into a big, beautiful soup tureen, letting everyone dive in and customize their own bowl with cheese and crushed red pepper to taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s serving even better.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup before adding the pasta for best results. Pasta can get mushy when frozen and reheated, so add freshly cooked pasta to individual servings as you eat. Frozen soup will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat your saved Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened or the pasta absorbed too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water while reheating to bring back the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage for this soup?

Absolutely! Mild or spicy Italian sausage works just as well as turkey or chicken sausage. You can even use ground beef or omit meat for a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and extra beans.

What kind of pasta is best in Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells are ideal because they cook quickly and blend perfectly with the beans and broth without overpowering the soup.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Skip the sausage and Parmesan cheese, use vegetable broth, and add extra beans and herbs for depth. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute to add cheesy flavor without dairy.

How thick should the soup be?

Traditional Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe has a slightly thick, stew-like consistency but still with enough broth to be soothing and spoonable. You can adjust by adding more broth if you prefer it thinner.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup freezes well, but for best texture, freeze it without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy or overly soft.

Final Thoughts

The magic of this Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and heartwarming flavors that make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian kitchen. Once you try it, this soup will no doubt become one of your go-to meals for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make something truly special that you and your loved ones will treasure.

Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need