If you are craving a soul-warming, satisfying meal that brings together layers of robust flavor and comforting textures, this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender pasta, creamy beans, savory Italian sausage, and aromatic vegetables in a rich tomato broth, this soup is not just a dish but a celebration of homestyle Italian cooking. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a big bowl of comfort, this recipe is simple to make yet delivers immense depth and heartiness with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to making this soup shine. Each component plays a vital role: from the crisp bacon that adds smoky richness to the bright diced tomatoes that bring a vibrant touch of acidity, every ingredient builds the complex, hearty character of this delicious soup.
- Olive oil: The flavorful base that helps brown the meats and sauté the vegetables to perfection.
- Thick-cut bacon (1 ½ ounces, diced): Adds a wonderful smoky crunch that sets the tone for the soup.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, crumbled): Infuses the broth with rich, savory depth and hearty texture.
- Carrots (3 medium, peeled and diced): Offer a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Celery (5 medium stalks, diced): Brings a fresh, crisp texture and subtle herbaceous flavor.
- Onions (2 small-medium, peeled and diced): Build aromatic layers that enhance the soup’s complexity.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Packs a pungent, fragrant punch essential for Italian dishes.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the broth beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that perfectly complements the meat and vegetables.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the garlic flavor in a subtle way.
- Red wine (½ cup or extra broth): Adds acidity and depth, lifting the entire soup’s flavor profile.
- Tomato sauce (24 ounces): Forms the rich, tomato-forward base of the soup.
- Diced tomatoes (15 ounces, fire-roasted preferred): Offer a smoky, bright kick to the broth.
- Chicken broth (5 cups, plus extra): Keeps the soup savory and well-balanced without overpowering other ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup, dry): Classic tiny pasta that holds onto the broth for a chewy bite.
- Dark red kidney beans (15 ounces, rinsed and drained): Add creaminess and heartiness to every spoonful.
- White cannellini beans (15 ounces, rinsed and drained): Bring a creamy texture and mild earthiness.
- Grated parmesan (optional, for serving): A salty, nutty finishing touch that melts delightfully on top.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for serving): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as garnish.
How to Make Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon first, cooking until it crisps and browns, releasing its smoky fat and flavor into the pot—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until it’s golden all over, roughly 4 to 5 more minutes. This combination of meats creates a rich foundation that will infuse the entire soup with savory goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the meats are beautifully browned, toss in the diced carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic. Let the vegetables sauté until they soften and their natural sweetness comes through, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the soup’s flavor backbone while adding texture and color to the dish.
Step 3: Season and Deglaze
Now stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, making sure everything is well combined. Pour in the red wine (or extra broth if preferred) and gently scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift those delicious browned bits stuck to the base. Let this simmer for a minute—this is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into an incredible depth of flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Add the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer melds all the flavors, allowing the broth to develop a rich, comforting character that’s downright irresistible.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Beans
Stir in the uncooked Ditalini pasta and cook the soup uncovered for about 10 minutes until the pasta is just tender. Then add in the rinsed kidney and cannellini beans, continuing to simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes. If the soup looks too thick, feel free to stir in a little more broth. The beans add creaminess and heartiness while the pasta provides a satisfying bite.
How to Serve Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. These simple garnishes elevate the soup with a hint of saltiness and a bright herbal note that really brings every element to life.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread can also make lovely, light accompaniments, balancing the heartiness of the soup with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with small ramekins of parmesan and fresh herbs on the side so everyone can customize their bowl. Another idea is to ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls, making each serving a delightful and edible experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to deepen overnight, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep this comforting soup on hand for longer, it freezes well. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It’s best to freeze before adding the pasta to avoid it becoming mushy. Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the soup’s texture and flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While Ditalini is traditional, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work wonderfully. Just be mindful of cooking times to ensure pasta is perfectly tender but not mushy.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter version. For a vegetarian take, simply omit the meat and add extra beans and vegetables—you won’t miss the meat at all!
Is this soup spicy?
The original recipe is mildly seasoned and not spicy, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat in your Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the meats and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta near the end so it doesn’t overcook.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup without overcooking the pasta?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth can help prevent the soup from drying out and keep the pasta nicely hydrated.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, and this Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe does exactly that with every satisfying spoonful. It’s the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that can easily become a household favorite. So grab your ingredients, call a friend or just cozy up solo—this soup is worth every minute of your time in the kitchen!
Print
Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian-style soup packed with savory bacon and sausage, tender vegetables, tomato-rich broth, pasta, and two types of beans. It’s a wholesome and satisfying dish perfect for cooler weather or anytime you crave a filling, flavorful soup.
Ingredients
Meats and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 5 medium celery stalks, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 small-medium onions, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Liquids and Tomato Products
- ½ cup red wine (or more chicken broth as substitute)
- 1 (24-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended for more flavor)
- 5 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
Pasta and Beans
- 1 cup dry Ditalini pasta
- 1 (15-oz) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-oz) can white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
To Serve (Optional)
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Brown the meats: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Season and deglaze: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly combined. Pour in red wine and cook for 1 minute, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pot to incorporate deep flavor.
- Cook the soup: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add pasta and beans: Stir uncooked Ditalini pasta into the soup and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Then stir in rinsed kidney and cannellini beans and continue simmering for another 4-5 minutes until pasta is tender and beans are heated through. Add extra broth if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve hot with optional grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
- Red wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth for a milder taste.
- Ditalini pasta cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep texture firm.
- Leftover soup thickens upon refrigeration—thin with broth or water when reheating if needed.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.
