Easy Pasta Fagioli Soup

This Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish made with Italian sausage, tender beans, and a rich tomato-based broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe combines vegetables, pasta, and savory seasonings, creating a comforting soup that’s both filling and easy to make. Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Featuring healthy ingredients like spinach and white beans, it provides a balanced meal with a deliciously rich texture. Serve this soup with freshly grated Parmesan for added flavor and warmth.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy)
• 4 large carrots, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (32 oz) container chicken broth
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes with basil
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Base: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper (if using) and chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the diced carrots and cook for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Add Beans: Stir in the white beans and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
7. Combine Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked pasta to the soup pot, then stir in the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
8. Serve: Remove from heat, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: A comforting soup packed with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy white beans.
• Quick and Easy: Made in one pot for a simple, weeknight-friendly dinner that’s full of flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level with mild or spicy sausage and use any pasta you like.

---

Tips

• Sausage: Choose a mild sausage for a more delicate flavor, or opt for spicy sausage if you prefer heat.
• Beans: You can use other white beans like cannellini or great northern beans if preferred.
• Flavor Development: Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes for the best depth of flavor.
• Pasta: Cook the pasta separately to avoid it absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or a different type of small pasta, like quinoa pasta.
• Different Beans: If white beans aren’t available, you can substitute with kidney beans or chickpeas.
• Extra Greens: Add kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach for a different leafy green option.

---

FAQs

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Pasta Fagioli Soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. To reheat, simmer on low heat until heated through.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The soup tastes even better after it sits for a few hours or overnight as the flavors continue to develop.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any small pasta works in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it separately and add it to the soup right before serving.

---

Serving

• With Bread: Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to dip into the flavorful broth.
• Cheese: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
• Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the soup.

---

Suggestions

• Meal Prep: This soup stores well, so make a big batch for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Herb Enhancements: Try adding fresh basil or rosemary for extra flavor in the soup.
• Extra Protein: Add cooked chicken or turkey for a more protein-packed version of the soup.

This Easy Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting, flavorful meal that brings together the best of Italian-inspired ingredients in a quick and easy recipe!