Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Pasta Fagioli, or “pasta and beans,” is a comforting Italian soup that can easily be made vegetarian. Below is a simple recipe that highlights the flavors of vegetables, beans, and pasta.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced
• Celery: 1 rib, diced
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can
• Cannellini Beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained
• Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (low sodium)
• Fresh Oregano: 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped
• Thyme Sprigs: 2 (optional)
• Ditalini Pasta: 1 cup (or small pasta of choice)
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

1. Add Tomato Products:

• Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the tomato paste to the other side. Sauté for about a minute to enhance its flavor.
• Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.

1. Simmer the Soup:

• Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

1. Combine and Serve:

• Once the soup has simmered and vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked pasta and fresh basil.
• Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips

• For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
• To enhance flavor, consider adding a Parmesan cheese rind during cooking; remove before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or increase the pasta.

This vegetarian Pasta Fagioli is not only hearty but also packed with nutrients from beans and vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week!