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Italian Bean Soup (Pasta e Fagioli)

A Hearty Healthy Blend Of Vegetables & Beans That Will Boost Your Immune System
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours

Ingredients

  • 1 15.5 oz white beans drain juice
  • 1 15.5 oz red kidney beans drain juice
  • 1 15.5 oz black beans drain juice
  • 2 28 oz whole tomatoes to be crushed in broth
  • 2 28 oz vegetable broth salted or unsalted
  • 1 tbs Italian seasoning
  • 3 cups baby kale chopped
  • 3 cups baby spinach chopped
  • 2 cups Italian parsley chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups long green onions chopped
  • 7 stacks celery chopped
  • 7 cloves fresh garlic chopped
  • 2 cups small carrots chopped
  • 1 Black pepper
  • Elbow pasta - optional
  • Parmesan cheese - for serving

Video

Notes

 
Fagioli Soup or Bean Soup often called Pasta e Fagioli in Italy — is a rustic, hearty, and deeply comforting dish. Here’s what it’s like:

Flavor & Taste

  • Savory & Earthy: The beans (often cannellini or borlotti) give the soup a creamy, nutty base.
  • Herb-Infused: Flavors of rosemary, thyme, or bay leaf with garlic and onions provide warmth and depth.
  • Tomato Richness: Many versions include tomatoes, adding brightness and slight acidity.
  • Umami Depth: Olive oil, Parmesan rind (sometimes simmered in the broth), or pancetta/prosciutto add richness and savory notes.
  • Comforting Balance: The pasta absorbs the broth and thickens the soup, creating a filling, almost stew-like consistency.

Texture

  • Thick & Hearty: Not a thin broth, but a velvety, chunky mix of beans, pasta, and vegetables.
  • Rustic Feel: Some beans are left whole for bite, while others break down into the broth for creaminess.
  • Satisfying: The small pasta shapes (like ditalini, tubetti, or elbow macaroni) give chewiness and substance.

Nutrition

  • Protein & Fiber: From beans, making it filling and sustaining.
  • Carbohydrates: Pasta provides energy and makes it hearty.
  • Vitamins & Minerals: From vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes.
  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil adds richness and supports heart health.

Overall

Fagioli soup is homey, rustic, and soul-warming — the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s versatile too: some versions are more brothy, others thick and stew-like, but all are deeply satisfying.
Would you like me to describe both the traditional Italian style and the American-Italian restaurant style so you can compare?
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Pasta, Soup, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian