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    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Classic Italian Recipes

    Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe (soup)

    Published: Sep 6, 2022 · Modified: Oct 28, 2023 by Elena · 62 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe (soup) is a warm and satisfying soup that will feed your soul and tummy! A classic soup made with- small pasta, beans (fagioli), pancetta, and simple veggies in a delicious broth, making this soup the perfect comfort meal.

    close up of final dish in the bowl.

    If you love authentic Italian recipes, check out my Lasagna Bolognese, Neopletan Pizza Dough, and Traditional Tiramisu.

    Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

    Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe (sometimes called pasta fazool) is a classic Italian soup that’s perfect for getting into the autumn or fall season spirit! In Italy we call it a "peasant dish" this is our traditional Italian pasta Fagioli recipe that we've made for years.

    Tender white beans, wholesome pasta, a medley of fragrant diced veggies, and a flavorful tomato broth make this delicious bean soup is a classic comfort meal for the cold weather time of year.

    Fill up your soup bowls and prepare a meal the whole family will love.

    More Italian soups you'll love: Italian Pastina Soup Recipe, Classic Italian Minestrone Soup, Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe, Tomato Soup Recipe, Italian Beans and Greens Recipe, Pasta e Ceci, Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup, and Zuppa Toscana.

    Simple Ingredients

    The best part is that you likely have all these ingredients as pantry items and refrigerator staples!

    ingredient shot for recipe
    • Italian Beans Borlotti (or Roman beans also use- kidney beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans)
    • Pasta (small pasta shape)
    • Pancetta (or bacon)
    • Canned tomatoes
    • Carrots
    • Celery
    • Onion
    • Rosemary
    • Garlic cloves
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
    • Parmigiano Reggiano or parmesan cheese for topping

    See the recipe card for quantities and the full recipe.

    How to make Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe (authentic)

    Italian cooking is simple and humble. The steps are easy, and the fresh ingredients shine.

    how to make: saute vegetables and bacon

    Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta, bacon, onions, carrots, celery, and rosemary. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and starting to brown, stirring occasionally.

    How to make: add half of beans and crushed tomates

    Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add half the drained and rinsed beans, crushed tomatoes, and chicken stock.

    How to make: add pureed beans to soup and mix

    Use a small blender to puree the other half of the beans and add them back to the pot. 

    How to make: add short pasta to soup and cook

    Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, and add the pasta and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer, covered, until pasta is cooked al dente (about 10 minutes).

    Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil—season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, serve with freshly grated parmigiano cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. 

    Big pot of pasta e fagioli ready to serve

    What makes this Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe "Authentic."

    This simple and authentic pasta e Fagioli recipe is one that my nonna prepared often with basic ingredients she had on hand. I still remember her stirring it with her wooden spoon. It was a meal prepared at home for our family and not one she made for guests. Similar to Authentic Pasta Carbonara Recipe.

    Nowadays, however, this hearty soup is widely popular and can be seen on restaurant menus all over Italy. It is mainly enjoyed in the colder months and popular in northern and southern Italy.

    bowl of pasta e fagioli with red pot in the background.

    Best Pasta Variety for Pasta e Fagioli

    For this pasta e Fagioli soup, I highly recommend short kinds of pasta or small pasta shapes and varieties for this soup. Here is a helpful guide to help match your pasta and sauce.

    This dish is rustic, hearty, inexpensive, and good for a cold fall evening. Names of pasta options for Pasta e Fagioli Soup recipe:

    • Ditalini Pasta
    • Small Shells
    • Small pasta tubes
    • Macaroni Shells (elbows)

    Best Beans to use for Pasta Fagioli Soup

    This authentic Italian pasta e Fagioli recipe is traditionally made with Borlotti beans.

    In Italy, you buy pre-made packages with this soup mix. The kits included dry pasta, spices, and dried Borlotti beans, known as cranberry beans or Roman beans here in the US.

    Borlotti, Roman beans, or Cranberry beans, are creamy and tender, with a chestnut-like flavor, making them the perfect addition to this soup!

    You can also use these bean varieties:

    • Pinto beans
    • Cannellini beans
    • Great Northern Beans
    • White kidney beans

    If you like pasta and bean soups, you may also like Pasta e Ceci (Italian Pasta with Chickpea Soup) and Stovetop White Chicken Chili.

    bowl of pasta e fagioli with a spoon and sprig of rosemary on side.

    Can you use canned beans?

    Yes, you can! It sure makes it easier :). Cooking your beans tastes better and is usually more wholesome that way. If you prefer the convenience of just opening a can, do that!

    In this recipe, I used canned Italian beans to make it easier, quicker, and more accessible to those that have less time. When I have more time- I like to use dried beans.

    How to use dried beans

    1. Rinse and pick over half a pound of dried beans of choice, and soak them overnight (a minimum of 8 hours) before using. 
    2. When it’s time to cook, drain the beans and, rinse, and proceed with the recipe as written. 
    3. Note: It will take a bit longer for the soaked beans to become tender, and you may need to add a little water if they absorb too much. Plan on cooking the dried beans between 20 and 30 minutes at a minimum.

    How to make Pasta e Fagioli Vegetarian

    If you are vegetarian- you may leave out the pancetta! You won't get the extra flavor from the smoked meat, but you could substitute a drop of liquid smoke to add that taste.

    To make the vegetarian version: omit the pancetta/bacon and use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken broth! Easy.

    For a vegan version, use vegetable stock or vegetable broth and omit the parmesan cheese for the topping.

    For both options: make sure you compensate for the omission of pancetta and chicken stock by using a little bit more salt.

    This heart soup recipe is filling just as a bean soup without the meat!

    bowl of pasta e fagioli on grey background.

    Variations

    You can try the authentic Italian pasta e fagioli recipe the first time and always try a variation the next time you make it!

    • Spicy - add red pepper flakes to level up the heat in the soup.
    • Deluxe - add cooked Italian sausage to up the protein.
    • Garnish - add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before serving. cook with a bay leaf to add an aromatic note to the bean soup
    • Cheese - feel free to sprinkle pecorino romano cheese instead of, or in combination with, the parmigiano cheese.

    Suggested Tools

    I love to use a large enamel braising pot for pasta e Fagioli soup. I also use this pot for my Trottole Pasta Recipe with Tomato Sauce and Shrimp recipe.

    You can also use a large stock pot if you are doubling this recipe.

    I love to use a small blender like my Magic Bullet to quickly puree the beans for the bean mixture in this Pasta e Fagioli Soup Recipe.

    Contains affiliate links.

    Storing and Reheating

    Refrigerator

    Pasta e fagioli soup is even better the next day! The soup will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container.

    Freezing

    Pasta e Fagioli makes a freezer-friendly recipe- except for the pasta! Pasta doesn’t freeze well and gets mushy when thawed and reheated. Yuck.

    If you must freeze, do it before adding the pasta. Then, add the cooked pasta directly to the reheated soup and serve!

    Reheating

    The pasta will absorb the liquid as it sits, so when you are ready to reheat, add broth or water. Gently warm over medium-low heat, adding the liquid until the soup is warm and back to its original consistency.

    pot of pasta e fagioli with bread on the side and grey napkin.

    What to serve with Pasta e Fagioli Soup

    Pasta e Fagioli soup is one of those hearty soups that already contains all you would want in a meal: meat (pancetta), veggies, beans, and pasta.

    However, some crusty bread is a must so that you can soak up all the delicious broth! You can serve Best Italian Zucchini Fritters (easy recipe), or Easy Bruschetta Recipe with Mozzarella and Tomato Basil as appetizers if you desire!

    Top tip

    • Take time to blend a cup of the beans to thicken the broth. It's a little extra step that goes a long way for the beans and pasta soup recipe. It adds a delicious taste, and it is what we do in Italy!

    FAQ's

    What is pasta e fagioli soup?

    Pasta e Fagioli – pronounced “pasta e fah-dgioh-lee – is a traditional Italian soup made of pasta (pasta) and beans (fagioli). It is sometimes called pasta fazool (or fasul) in the US, derived from its Neapolitan name pasta e fasule.

    What's the difference between Italian Minestrone Soup and Pasta e Fagioli Soup?

    Minestrone Soup and Pasta e Fagioli are two similar Italian soups. The main difference is in the vegetables. While minestrone soup features a wide variety of vegetables, pasta e fagioli emphasizes pasta and beans. The latter is usually thicker and more stew-like than minestrone. Minestrone soup does not always have pasta, while authentic Italian pasta e fagioli recipe does.

    Is pasta e fagioli an authentic Italian soup?

    Yes! Pasta e fagioli is an authentic Italian soup. Pasta e fagioli, is an Italian bean soup traditionally considered a peasant dish due to its humble list of ingredients—cannelloni beans, Italian soffritto, stewed tomatoes, short pasta, olive oil, and sometimes garlic.

    More Italian Soup Recipes

    • No Potato Leek Soup Recipe (Creamy and Easy)
    • Hearty White Bean Soup
    • Italian Pastina Soup Recipe (with Chicken broth)
    • Hearty and Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe
    • Classic Lobster Bisque Recipe (Easy)
    • BEST Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe with Bacon, Potato, and Kale

    Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.

    I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

    Print
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    bowl of soup in bowl with spoon and side of bread.

    Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 27 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    This Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe (soup) is a warm and satisfying soup that will feed your soul and tummy! A classic soup made with- small pasta, beans, pancetta and simple veggies in a delicious broth, making this soup the perfect comfort meal.

    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
    • 6 oz. pancetta diced (or bacon, see notes for vegetarian option)
    • 1 yellow onion, diced
    • 2 carrots, petite diced
    • 2 ribs celery, petite diced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
    • 1 clove garlic, chopped
    • 1- 15 oz. canned crushed tomatoes
    • 4 cups chicken stock/broth (or beef or vegetable broth, or water, or a combination)
    • 2 cans (30 oz) Italian Beans Borlotti (also known as Roman/Cranberry beans. You can also use- kidney beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans)
    • 8 oz. small pasta such as shells, ditalini, or macaroni
    • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
    • Freshly grated parmigiano regiano or parmesan cheese, for topping

    Instructions

    1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta or bacon, onions, carrots, celery, and rosemary. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and starting to brown, stirring occasionally.
    2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    3. Add HALF of the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, crushed tomatoes, and the chicken stock.
    4. Use a blender to puree the other half of the beans and add them back to the pot. 
    5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, and add the rest of the beans and the pasta, as well as the 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer, covered, until pasta is cooked al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
    6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with freshly grated parmigiano cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired. 

    Notes

    Storing:

    Refrigerator

    Bonus: this soup is even better the next day! The soup will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, if stored in an airtight container.

    Freezing

    Pasta e fagioli makes a freezer-friendly recipe except for the pasta. Pasta doesn’t freeze well and gets mushy when thawed and reheated. Yuck.

    If you must freeze, do it before adding the pasta. Then, add the cooked pasta directly to the reheated soup and serve!

    Reheating

    The pasta will absorb the liquid as it sits, so when you are ready to reheat, make sure to add extra broth, or extra water. Gently warm over medium-low heat, adding the liquid until the soup is warm and back to its original consistency.

    • Author: Elena
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Savory
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: pasta, fagioli, bean soup, pancetta, bortlotti beans

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tia says

      November 28, 2023 at 2:16 pm

      My grandmother would always make this. I am so glad I stumbled on your page and then to see this recipe. It is so delicious. This is my second time making and will definitely be on repeat! (Made your cornbread to go with it)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 28, 2023 at 3:58 pm

        Yay! So happy you landed on this recipe. I hope you find many more. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Monique says

      November 01, 2023 at 5:16 am

      This recipe was absolutely delicious! The pancetta was pricy so I used half pancetta and half bacon and it come out great. I’ll definitely be making this again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 01, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        So happy you loved it!

        Reply
    3. Kristen says

      October 18, 2023 at 4:33 am

      Family approved!👏🏻 Hubby said it is a keeper! 👏🏻 Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!😊

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 18, 2023 at 1:46 pm

        YAY! Enjoy so many more delicious recipes. Try the sausage meatballs next 😋

        Reply
    4. Aaron J says

      October 09, 2023 at 5:46 pm

      Wow! I’ve never made this soup in this way before - the puréed beans are a GAME CHANGER! This soup had a depth of flavor yet it was so quick to make! My family doesn’t care for rosemary so I added a small amount of Italian seasoning. Thank you for sharing this recipe, I can’t wait to make it again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 10, 2023 at 9:28 am

        Happy you loved this Italian Classic!

        Reply
    5. Cathy Piazza says

      October 09, 2023 at 7:41 am

      can you use tomato sauce?

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 09, 2023 at 3:48 pm

        Yes, if you like.

        Reply
    6. Michael Lagana says

      September 29, 2023 at 8:27 pm

      Very tasty soup

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 02, 2023 at 10:05 am

        Happy you loved it!

        Reply
    7. FB Florida says

      September 28, 2023 at 11:15 am

      What a great recipe. Did I follow it exactly? Not quite, but mostly I did. I am a "Cook" so as I am following a recipe I always wind up adding a little more of something (pancetta, carrots). Ok don't kill me, but no, I did not cut the veggies into a petite dice - but as I said, I am a cook. Also, I like my soup to cook a bit longer - so the larger cut works out fine. Had not made this in a while so I was very happy to stumble across this recipe. Thank you! I will be making this many times from now on. Oh, and my husband loves it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        September 28, 2023 at 1:38 pm

        So happy you loved it and added your own way of making it! That's what cooking is all about. Happy your hubby loved it too!

        Reply
    8. Lynn says

      September 23, 2023 at 7:22 pm

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        September 24, 2023 at 9:18 am

        Happy you loved it!

        Reply
    9. Lynn says

      September 22, 2023 at 2:49 pm

      Delicious, easy to make and perfect for the fall season.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        September 22, 2023 at 5:06 pm

        Yes! It is a great one for fall and winter. Happy you loved it.

        Reply
    10. Michael says

      September 21, 2023 at 12:54 pm

      So good!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        September 21, 2023 at 1:08 pm

        Yay! Happy you loved it!

        Reply
    11. Toni laforge says

      May 23, 2023 at 3:16 pm

      I’ve made pasta fagiole before but not with purée of beans. Unfortunately I did care for it. Too thick.

      Reply
      • Elena says

        May 24, 2023 at 12:32 pm

        Sorry to hear that. You can leave it out next time and just do all the beans. Traditionally, this is how we do it, but you can adapt to your taste.

        Reply
    12. Daniela says

      May 19, 2023 at 7:12 am

      Fall and winter comfort food!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        May 19, 2023 at 10:58 am

        It hits the spot every time! Thanks

        Reply
    13. Sharon says

      March 26, 2023 at 11:33 am

      I love it! ❤️

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        March 27, 2023 at 12:51 pm

        Happy you loved it, Sharon!

        Reply
    14. Valerie Sielert says

      March 20, 2023 at 7:18 am

      Just like my grandmother's recipe, delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        March 20, 2023 at 10:27 am

        So happy to hear that!

        Reply
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