Name: Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup diced onion; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 cup quartered carrots; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 15 oz can tomato sauce; 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth; 2 cups water; 2 15 oz cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup dry ditalini pasta; 1 dried bay leaf; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 36 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe. It’s packed with tender pasta, creamy beans, and a rich tomato broth that somehow feels both hearty and light. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and each time it brings that perfect balance of savory goodness and soul-satisfying warmth you want on a chilly evening. Stick around, and I’ll guide you through the secrets that make this soup special — plus tips so your version turns out perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using pantry staples like cannellini beans and tomato sauce creates layers of comforting flavor without fuss.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: The mix of beans and pasta brings a natural creaminess that’s rich and satisfying without heavy cream.
Flexible Cooking Options: Whether you prefer stovetop, Instant Pot, or crockpot, the recipe adjusts so you can make it your way.
Undercooked Pasta Magic: Leaving your pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy as it soaks up the broth—trust me, it makes all the difference.

Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup, pasta fagioli soup, hearty Italian soup, easy creamy bean soup, cozy pasta and bean soup - A close-up view of a large spoon filled with small round pasta tubes coated in a smooth, orange-red tomato sauce mixed with small bits of herbs and vegetables, with more pasta in the same sauce filling the background, creating a dense textured look of pasta and sauce blending together, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe serves a purpose, working together to create a balance of textures and flavors. A quick tip before you shop: opt for low-sodium beans and broth so you can control the seasoning, and pick a small pasta like ditalini that holds up well in soups.

Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup, pasta fagioli soup, hearty Italian soup, easy creamy bean soup, cozy pasta and bean soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of diced fresh onion, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of quartered fresh carrots, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed and drained cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a single dried bay leaf, small piles of dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, and a small white ceramic bowl of dry ditalini pasta, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sautée the aromatics evenly.
Diced onion: The foundation for depth and sweetness in the broth.
Minced garlic: Brings that aromatic warmth that simply wakes up the whole soup.
Quartered carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness plus a bit of texture contrast.
Cannellini beans: Creamy white beans that bulk up the soup and lend natural creaminess.
Tomato sauce: Gives the soup its signature rich, tangy base without making it too saucy.
Dried bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal complexity gently from the background.
Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): Classic Italian flavors that brighten and add depth.
Black pepper & red pepper flakes: For just the right kick — not overpowering but noticeable.
Low sodium vegetable broth: Keeps the soup flavorful without excess salt.
Water: Helps regulate soup consistency and dilutes for a lighter broth texture.
Dry ditalini pasta: Tiny tubes that soak up flavor all around, perfect for spoonfuls of soup.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or feel like that day. Personally, I like to toss in a parmesan cheese rind whenever I have one—it turns the broth into this subtly cheesy dream. But don’t be shy to experiment. Here’s how I’ve made it even better or more suited to different diets or seasons.

Variation: Sometimes I swap cannellini beans for kidney beans for a different nuttiness and color contrast; it’s a simple twist that keeps things interesting.
Seasonal add-ins: Toss in chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes for a fresh, green boost that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
Spice it up: If I’m feeling bold, I add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
Vegan-friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the parmesan rind or use a vegan alternative—you won’t miss it, promise!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating up that olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Once it shimmers, toss in your diced onions, garlic, and carrots. I cook them for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the carrots soften just a little. This step is key—don’t rush it. It’s where those fantastic base flavors develop. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking or browning too much.

Step 2: Add the Beans, Seasonings, and Liquids

Next up: the star ingredients. Pour in your rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, and sprinkle in the dried herbs—basil, parsley, oregano—along with the black pepper and red pepper flakes. Then add the vegetable broth and water. Give it a good stir to combine. I always add the bay leaf here to infuse its subtle aroma as the soup simmers.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Cover the pot and turn the heat up to high until the soup comes to a boil, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally — especially early on — so nothing sticks to the bottom. Once boiling, remove the lid and lower the heat to medium. This gentle simmer lets all those delicious flavors mingle and deepen.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Until Almost Done

Here’s a tip you’ll thank me for: add your dry ditalini pasta now, but only cook it for about half the package’s recommended time. Why? Because the pasta will keep cooking after you serve it, soaking up broth and avoiding that dreaded mushy texture. Give it a stir to keep the pasta from clumping, and cook over medium heat. This step is crucial for that perfect chewiness that makes this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe stand out.

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

Before ladling your soup, don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf—that flavor has done its job, and you don’t want surprises in your spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, maybe a pinch more black pepper or a little salt. Serve piping hot with your favorite garnish or side, and get ready for some serious comfort food vibes.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies the day before and store them in the fridge—this makes dinner a breeze when you’re busy.
Rinsing Beans: Always rinse canned beans well to remove excess sodium and the “canned” taste for a fresher flavor.
Pasta Timing: Undercook the pasta deliberately to keep your soup from turning gummy after sitting or reheating.
Avoid Burning: Stir frequently when simmering and bring them up gently to avoid any scorching at the bottom of the pot.

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup, pasta fagioli soup, hearty Italian soup, easy creamy bean soup, cozy pasta and bean soup - A white bowl filled with small tube-shaped pasta in a thick orange tomato broth with visible small white beans and diced orange vegetables. The dish is topped with shredded white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered evenly on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this soup, I love topping it with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or some shredded pecorino romano—right before serving—to add a salty, nutty punch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a handful of fresh chopped parsley brightens things up as well. Sometimes, I even add a few toasted croutons or rustic bread crumbs on top for a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a warm garlic bread makes it extra special. For a heartier meal, I like serving it alongside sautéed greens or a simple antipasto platter loaded with olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or a cozy night in, try serving this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls—it’s fun, keeps your hands warm, and makes a stunning presentation. Or ladle it into rustic ceramic bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs on top for that homey, inviting look that makes everyone smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but remember the pasta will continue to soak up broth, so you might want to add a little water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

This Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe freezes well if you leave out the pasta before freezing and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. That way, your soup keeps its fresh texture without the pasta getting mushy.

Reheating

I like to gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water to keep the creamy consistency. Microwaving works too, but slow and steady on the stove keeps all those flavors vibrant and textures just right.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe without beans?

Beans are key for the creaminess and protein in this recipe, but if you’re not a fan or need to skip them, try adding cooked lentils or small diced potatoes instead. Just know the texture and flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
What pasta can I use if I don’t have ditalini?

Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo all work well because they cook quickly and mix easily with the beans and broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?

The traditional recipe calls for regular pasta, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta varieties just the same. Just keep an eye on cooking time as some gluten-free pastas can become mushy if overcooked.
Can I prepare this soup in an Instant Pot or Crockpot?

You can, but I find the stovetop method yields the best texture for the pasta. Both the Instant Pot and Crockpot can overcook the pasta easily. If you use these appliances, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
How do I keep the soup creamy without adding cream?

The creaminess comes from the cannellini beans breaking down slightly as they cook with the broth and pasta, so there’s no need for cream here. Using quality beans and stirring well helps achieve that velvety texture naturally.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is more than just a meal for me—it’s a little ritual of comfort and connection. Whether I’m making it on a busy weeknight or to share with friends, it always delivers that perfect bowl of warmth and flavor. I hope you’ll enjoy making this soup your own and inviting a little extra coziness into your kitchen. Give it a try, and I’m betting it’ll become a favorite in your house too.