If you're looking to enhance your home cooking, exploring the five best Pasta E Fagioli recipes can be a rewarding experience. Each variation offers a unique twist on this classic Italian comfort dish, whether you prefer the traditional approach, a vegetarian option, or something with a bit of a kick. You might be surprised at how quickly you can whip up a satisfying meal with the Instant Pot version. So, which recipe will you try first, and how will you make it your own? The answers might just inspire your next culinary adventure.
Classic Italian Pasta E Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli, or Pasta and Beans, is a classic Italian dish that beautifully blends the hearty flavors of pasta and beans into a comforting meal. Traditionally, this dish is made with simple ingredients, showcasing the essence of Italian cooking with its rustic and wholesome appeal. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, satisfying bowl of pasta e fagioli that honors its rich culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
To prepare the classic Pasta e Fagioli, start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Next, stir in the cannellini beans, broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.
When cooking Pasta e Fagioli, feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as spinach or kale for extra nutrition. The dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to develop.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid. For a thicker consistency, simply reduce the amount of broth or increase the quantity of beans. Enjoy this comforting dish on a chilly evening or whenever you crave a taste of Italy!
Vegetarian Pasta E Fagioli

Vegetarian Pasta E Fagioli is a hearty and nutritious dish that showcases the rich flavors of beans and pasta, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. This comforting soup isn't only easy to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber, ensuring that it satisfies your hunger without compromising your dietary choices.
With a blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this vegetarian version of the classic Italian dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
To prepare the Vegetarian Pasta E Fagioli, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
When making this Vegetarian Pasta E Fagioli, feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Spinach or kale can be great additions for extra nutrients.
Also, if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can puree a portion of the soup and stir it back in. Make sure to keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, as overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
Enjoy this dish with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Spicy Sausage Pasta E Fagioli

Spicy Sausage Pasta E Fagioli is a hearty and flavorful twist on the traditional Italian bean and pasta soup. This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of spicy Italian sausage with cannellini beans, tomatoes, and pasta, resulting in a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a bit of spice, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the cooked sausage.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the pasta and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
For the best results, feel free to adjust the level of spice by choosing a milder or hotter sausage based on your preference. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, for added nutrition and flavor.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and may thicken in consistency; simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore the desired soup-like texture.
Creamy Pasta E Fagioli

Creamy Pasta E Fagioli is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian soup that combines tender pasta with hearty beans, all enveloped in a rich and creamy broth. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a luscious version of this classic meal that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the cannellini beans, broth, pasta, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Extra Tips:
For a thicker creamy texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding the cream. This will create a velvety consistency while still leaving some chunky beans and pasta for texture.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream. Additionally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost, or play around with different types of beans or pasta shapes based on your preferences.
Enjoy your cooking!
Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli

Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli is a delightful Italian soup that combines pasta, beans, and a rich tomato broth, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. This hearty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also improves the flavors, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil, and once it's hot, sauté the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the diced tomatoes, broth, cannellini beans, and pasta, stirring to combine.
Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a quick release of pressure.
Open the lid carefully, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an even heartier version, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or diced pancetta when sautéing the vegetables.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot. Remember to adjust the pasta cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, as some may require more or less time to cook.
Finally, this dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep—just store in airtight containers and reheat when ready to enjoy!