Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.

  • Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Next, add the diced carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Continue sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 2: Brown the Meat (Optional)

If you’re adding Italian sausage or ground beef, now is the time to cook it. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the sausage or ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

  • If you’re not using meat, simply skip this step and move on to the next one.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Once the meat is browned (or if you skipped the meat step), add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot. Stir everything together.

Now, pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and water, followed by the dried oregano, dried basil, dried rosemary (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add a bay leaf for extra flavor and stir everything to combine.

  • Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add the Beans

Once the broth comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the red kidney beans and white beans. Stir to combine. These beans will give the soup its creamy texture and hearty feel.

  • Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Next, add the pasta to the soup. Stir well and allow the pasta to cook according to the package directions, which is typically around 8-10 minutes.

  • Keep an eye on the pasta to make sure it doesn't overcook. If you like it firmer, check the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.

Step 6: Simmer and Adjust the Seasoning

After the pasta is cooked, let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the flavors have time to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

  • If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and color.

  • Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for an extra treat.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Fagioli Soup

  • Make it vegetarian: To make the soup vegetarian, simply skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Adjust the pasta: For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pasta, or even quinoa or rice as a pasta substitute.
  • Beans: Feel free to mix up the beans. While red kidney beans and cannellini beans are traditional, you can also use chickpeas or other white beans, depending on what you have available.
  • Simmer time: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If you have extra time, let the soup cook for 30-45 minutes for a richer taste.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well. If you make a large batch, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra broth to bring it back to its original consistency.

Conclusion

Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the richness of beans, pasta, and vegetables in a savory broth. It’s a simple, satisfying, and versatile soup that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy right at home, and it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences.

With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make a delicious bowl of Pasta Fagioli Soup in under an hour. The combination of beans, pasta, vegetables, and herbs makes for a dish that is both nourishing and comforting. Enjoy!