Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Introduction
Pasta Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that’s hearty and full of flavor. This copycat version combines tender pasta, cannellini beans, and a rich tomato broth for a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 can of cannellini beans, with the liquid
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ½ ounces chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked spinach pasta
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions, and cook until the onions become translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes to release the aromas.
- Step 3: Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Step 4: Add the uncooked spinach pasta and cook for 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Then, stir in the cannellini beans with their liquid and heat through.
- Step 5: Serve the soup sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy with breadsticks or a crusty slice of bread.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
- Cooking pasta separately and adding it when serving helps prevent soggy noodles in leftovers.
- Add fresh spinach or kale near the end of cooking for extra greens.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If pasta was cooked in the soup, it may absorb liquid and become softer; adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can refresh the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well in this soup.
How do I peel tomatoes easily?
Score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skin will loosen and peel off easily.
Print
Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a comforting Italian-inspired dish packed with tender cannellini beans, savory tomato broth, aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and hearty spinach pasta. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup combines classic flavors with a nutritious twist, topped with grated parmesan for an extra burst of taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
- 14 ½ ounces chicken broth
Beans and Pasta
- 1 can of cannellini beans, with the liquid
- 1 cup uncooked spinach pasta
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onions, and cook until the onions become translucent, creating a flavorful vegetable base for the soup.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook these seasonings together for 5 minutes, then add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and chopped peeled tomatoes. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the pasta and beans: Add the uncooked spinach pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook for around 15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente texture. Then, add the cannellini beans along with their liquid, stir to combine, and heat through for a few minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the soup to enhance the flavors. The soup can be accompanied by breadsticks or a crusty slice of bread for a fulfilling meal.
- Optional tip for leftovers: To prevent the pasta from becoming soggy in leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it into the bowls just before serving. This soup pairs well with a sandwich, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- The soup can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- For a thicker soup consistency, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- Cooking pasta separately helps avoid mushy texture in leftovers.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pasta Fagioli, Italian soup, cannellini beans soup, spinach pasta soup, hearty soup, easy dinner recipe

