Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables all simmered in a flavorful broth, this Italian classic is both nutritious and soul-satisfying. Each spoonful bursts with vibrant textures and herbs that brighten the dish, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every item plays a special role: from the ditalini pasta that provides a delightful bite to the fresh spinach that adds a pop of green and nutrition.

• Ditalini pasta: Small tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the broth perfectly for every bite.
• Olive oil: Adds a silky richness while sautéing the aromatics.
• Medium onion, diced: Builds the savory foundation with sweetness as it softens.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, fragrant depth.
• Carrots, diced: Contribute subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery stalks, diced: Adds crunch and herbaceous notes.
• Dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herbal aroma.
• Dried basil: Complements oregano with a sweet, peppery touch.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you like things a bit spicy.
• Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Provide creaminess and protein, making this dish hearty and filling.
• Diced tomatoes with juice: Adds acidity and a rich tomato base to the broth.
• Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together.
• Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Finishes the dish with freshness and a boost of nutrients.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a bright, herbal finish before serving.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty richness for those who include dairy.

How to Make Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. As soon as it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for building a savory base that sets the tone of the entire dish.

Step 2: Add Fragrant Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for roughly one minute, just until it releases its wonderful aroma, but be careful not to let it burn as that can introduce bitterness.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables

Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. These veggies not only brighten the flavor but provide a pleasing texture contrast. Cook them while stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes so that they soften just right.

Step 4: Toast the Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Toasting these spices for about a minute helps unlock their full flavors and fills your kitchen with a lovely Italian scent.

Step 5: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Pour the drained cannellini beans and the diced tomatoes with their juice into the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all those incredible tastes and textures.

Step 6: Simmer with Broth

Now add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes so all the flavors can harmonize beautifully.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta separately according to package instructions until just al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, ready to join the party in the pot.

Step 8: Add Fresh Spinach

Stir the roughly chopped spinach into the simmering soup and cook just long enough for it to wilt, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds freshness and vibrant color, lifting the entire dish.

Step 9: Season and Combine

Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Then gently fold in the cooked ditalini pasta, ensuring everything is well mixed but still delicate and comforting.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your piping hot Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe garnished with fresh parsley. If you like, sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese – though keep in mind it’s optional and not vegetarian if you’re keeping this strictly plant-based.

How to Serve Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal brightness that harmonizes perfectly with the earthy beans and tomatoes. For an extra touch of indulgence, a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can infuse a complex, savory finish that some folks adore.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit, making every bite a little more decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe in rustic bread bowls to impress guests or family. You can also dollop a spoonful of pesto on top or drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil to amplify flavor layering and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, the pasta may absorb some broth and soften, but the overall taste remains comforting and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring back its perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional and ideal for holding the soup, you can swap in small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells. Just keep cooking time in mind to avoid mushiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as is, since ditalini pasta contains gluten. However, you can easily use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers to personalize this Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe. Just add them at the appropriate cooking stage to keep the veggies tender but fresh.

What if I don’t have cannellini beans?

White beans like great northern or navy beans are excellent substitutes and work just as well to add creaminess and protein in this soup.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

It is if you skip the optional Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The rest of the recipe is completely plant-powered and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Making this Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is like inviting warmth, comfort, and classic Italian flavors right into your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and deeply satisfying for everyone at the table. So why not give it a try? I promise once you do, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for cozy nights and happy tummies alike.

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